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A 






THE BOULDER POnr OX THE rRAIRIE, 






NATHAN TODD 


OR 


THE FATE OF THE SIOUX’ CAPTIVE 


BY 

EDWARD S. ELLIS 

M 

AUTHOR OF **8ETH JONES,” “THE FRONTIER ANGEL," 
*‘THE FOREST SPY,” ETC. 


ISTEW YORK 

HURST & COMPANY 


PUBLISHERS 



Copyright, 1910, 

BY 

HURST & COMPANY. 


©CI.A271232 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTBR PACK 

I. In which there is a Cross and a Crown 9 

II. Nat’s First Adventure 23 

III. Showing that we are Never too Old to Learn 44 

IV. Showing that it is Not Always Best to be Alone 61 

V. Which is Mostly Historical 78 

VI. In which a Haul is Made Containing a Mysterious 

Letter 92 

VII. Proving that it is Not Always Best to Look Before 

you Leap 107 

VIII. In which the Narrative Makes but Slight Progress.. .. 123 

IX. In which there is a Housewarming, a Vision and a 

Flight 136 

X. In which it is shown that it is Not Always a Bad Thing 

to “ Split upon a Rock.”. 164 

XI. In which there is a Move Forward.. 182 

XII. Which Ends the Tale 203 


5 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PAGB 

“ Away his horse careered as swift "tie wind.” 19 

“ His scalp must hang at Upsarena’s lodge at the rising of 

the sun.” 29 

“ ‘ What’s the matter ? ’ asked the stranger.” 49 

“ ‘ Now howl as long as you want to,’ shouted Nat.” 73 

“ His finger was pressing the trigger when the savage whisked 

out of sight.” ... 1 19 

‘♦Irene.” 149 

** Biddon drew his knife from his belt.” 177 

** Onward galloped the Indians.” 217 

“ The exulting trapper gave a defiant yell, holding the gory 

trophy aloft.” 223 

** Thar’s a picture you’ll see round my neck — ^bury it with 

me.” 24X 


7 







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4 


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A 


A . 


NATHAN TODD; 

A SEQUEL TO « BILL BIDDON ” 


CHAPTER I. 

IN WHICH THERE IS A CROSS AND A CROWN. 

Well, here I am, at last, alone in the woods ! 
and it’s a wonderful adventure Fve started upon, 
too! I, Nathan Todd, of Lubec, have come to the 
determination to make a search for Irene Merment, 
who like enough died ten years ago! No one be- 
lieves she is living besides me ; and what am I going 
to hunt her up for? As true as I live, I believe I 
love her; and if she is ever found I’ll offer myself 
to her. 

“ I flatter myself I have an extended reputation 
in these parts, and my acquaintance is very con- 
siderable ; and, although it’s myself who says it, my 
moral character stands as high as any of the people 


9 


lO 


NATHAN TODD. 


hereabouts. I hope my motives are good in remain- 
ing here. Relmond has found himself a wife, and I 
don't see why I can't. I'll do it, by gracious! and 
won't that Sarah Almina feel bad when she finds it 
out? I know she wanted to get me off here, so she 
could marry that Bill Hankins. I reckon the shoe 
will be on t'other foot when she sees me flourishing 
around Lubec with a wife and a dozen young 
geniuses, taking them out airing in a big carriage 
with lamps on, dressing them up in store clothes, 
etc., etc. I’ll do it, sure as the world ! " 

Thus commented Nat Todd, as the last sound of 
the steamer, which bore away William Relmond and 
Imogene Merment, reached his ears. He stood in 
the midst of that vast forest which stretches away 
to the west of the Missouri river. The words 
recorded will give an idea of the cause that led him 
to this course. During his stay among the Indians 
of the Northwest, he had often conversed with 
Imogene Merment, the captive, in regard to her lost 
sister. Although she believed that the latter was 
lost forever, yet the probability of her yet living 
was such as to strengthen Nat in the determination 
to make a search for her on his own responsibility. 
The only clue to guide him was the suspicion of 
Imogene that the captors of her sister had proceeded 
westward to Oregon. From the fact that she had 


NATHAN TODD. 


II 


never seen any Indians similar in dress since that 
time, and from the recollection she entertained of 
them, she gathered this impression. 

'' Let me see,” mused Nat, as he walked slowly 
along. “ Here I am on the banks of the Yellow- 
stone, and Oregon is quite a little distance away. 
I might have taken that steamer, I s’pose, for some 
considerable ways, but I don't s'pose it connects 
with any railroad further up, so I wouldn't have 
gained so much after all. And it ain't certain that 
Irene is in Oregon yet, and I wish to make inquiries 
of the neighbors along the way. I think I might 
pass for a redskin very well. That looks fine, and 
no doubt would impress Irene with awe, if she 
should see it,” continued Nat, taking off his plumes 
and surveying them ; “ but they don't fit my head so 
well, after all, as the old gray hat I bought up in 
Lubec, one Fourth of July, and I'm afraid I can 
never get along with these things. However, they 
must answer till I get better ones; and it's time I 
was moving.” 

So saying, our hero replaced his plumes and 
walked slowly away in the forest. He had evidently 
decided upon the execution of some darling plan, 
for his face expanded into a broad smile and his 
steps were lively and animated. The direction 
which he took was such as to lead him to the 


12 


NATHAN TODD, 


‘‘Death Rock/’ from which he had started the 
morning before. The day was one of the most 
beautiful of the year. The appearance of the vast 
mountains and prairies of the Northwest in summer 
far surpasses that of the more settled portions of 
our country. The change from the intense cold 
and stillness of winter to the animated glory of 
spring is wonderful. The snow disappears as if by 
magic, the ice-bound rivers break up with a crash 
like the shock of an earthquake, the naked trees 
commence budding and blooming, and in a few 
weeks the country is transformed into a teeming 
Paradise. The air is darkened by the flocks of 
birds circling overhead, the streams are alive with 
the flashing trout and thousands of other fish, and 
the vast droves of buffaloes may be seen sporting 
on the plains or thundering forward in innumerable 
herds. Now and then immense numbers of horses 
may be seen, careering gayly over the prairie, as 
free and joyous as the wind. The forest arches 
echo with the notes of birds and the scream of the 
wild animal, while myriads of the beaver and otter 
are hard at work in the different streams. All is 
changed as if by enchantment. 

Such an appearance did the forest present as Nat 


1^ATHA2^ TODD. 


13 


Todd made his way through it. His sense of the 
beautiful was limited, and the bewildering scene 
around he took as a matter of course. It couldn’t 
well be otherwise, and so he judged it best not to 
get excited over it. Once or twice he came in view 
of an antelope that circled around him in the woods, 
as if in sport. Finally, becoming too reckless, it 
fell a victim to his rifle. 

“ You might’ve knowed better than to cross Nat 
Todd’s path, for he is a dangerous man, and it’s 
nothing short of suicide to get before his rifle. Bill 
Bidden could have told you that. I don’t feel very 
sorry, as I am amazingly hungry.” 

As it was about noon, he halted and cut the 
choicest portion from the antelope for his dinner. 
This was toasted over a fire ; he made a hearty meal 
from it, and in a short time he was on his journey 
again. 

Just as darkness was settling over the forest, he 
reached the ‘‘ Death Rock,” and crept into its dis- 
mal recesses. The night was cold, and he started 
a fire, although it was as much to cheer the gloomy 
place as to afford him any warmth. As the blaze 
flamed up on the rocky floor, it lighted up many 
a dark nook, and threw fantastic shadows into the 


14 


TODD, 


forbidding rents that yawned around. Here and 
there a ghastly skull or bone gleamed in the firelight, 
and in some places the skeletons had been almost 
undisturbed by the ravenous beasts. As Nat lit his 
pipe and gazed around him, his thoughts brought 
more than one shudder to hin: It seemed he could 
see the doomed Indians clustered together on that 
fatal day, when the last one defended the entrance 
against the relentless besiegers. He could fancy the 
sullen, despairing gleam as the solitary savage 
gazed behind him and saw his dead companions, and 
himself the last remnant of his tribe; the lofty, 
heroical countenance as the warrior folded his own 
arms in death; the yells of baffled fury, as the 
besiegers poured into the cavern and found not a 
victim left them ; and finally, the last scene of all, 
when the wolves swarmed into the cavern and com- 
pleted the terrible work. The human bones, strewn 
for many feet from the Rock, showed what a wild 
carnival the beasts of prey had held over their 
un^^onted feast. 

But the night had not far advanced when this 
gloomy picture faded from our hero’s imagination. 
An hour’s comfort from his soothing pipe made him 
drowsy and forgetful, and he was falling off into 


NATHA^i TODD, 


15 


slumber, when he was aroused by hearing a deep 
growl near him. Starting up, he saw several eye- 
balls glowing in the darkness at the entrance of the 
cave, and could detect more than one pair of jaws 
gleaming and snapping together. Without chang- 
ing his position, he raised his rifle d sent its con- 
tents among them. There were several sharp yelps, 
a confused scampering, and the next instant the 
passage was still as death. 

‘‘ Positively, no admittance under any pretense 
whatever,’' said Nat, as he rose and passed to the 
mouth of the cave. I’ve camped here before, and 
never like to be disturbed, so I’ll just close the door. 
Hello ! hit you, did I ? ” 

This exclamation was caused by stumbling over 
the dead body of a wolf which had fallen in the 
entrance. It was of the species termed the moun- 
tain wolf ” — the largest and most dangerous kind 
found in the West. Nat rolled it outside, where it 
was seized in an instant by its unfeeling companions, 
and in a half-hour nothing was left of the unfortu- 
nate animal except a few shiny bones, over which the 
others wrangled for a much longer time. Nat, 
with a great deal of labor, rolled a huge rock to the 
entrance, effectually barring it against all except 


i6 


:NATHAN TODD, 


human intruders, and then returned to the fire. 
Here, instead of wrapping himself up in his blanket 
and lying down at once, he seated himself as if 
engaged in deep thought. He remained a long 
time, gazing dreamily into the embers before him, 
until, as was his habit, he commenced talking to 
himself. 

“ There’s no use of thinking about it, for it’s so, 
just as plain as was them wolves’ eyes awhile ago. 
Bill Relmond used to pray every night and morn- 
ing, and he’s gone through all safe, and got a wife 
in the bargain. That Imogene used to pray, and 
appeared to be always thinking about heaven and 
the angels — that I’ll bet are just like her — and she’s 
got a husband. Bill Biddon used to swear like 
blazes sometimes, but I know I once heard him ask 
the Lord to take care of hirt'.. Well, here’i^ me, 
Nat Todd, going on one of the greatest tramps that 
was ever invented, and if anybody wants taking care 
of it’s this same Nat Todd, and it ain’t noways 
likely the Lord will take any notice of me unless I 
ask him to. So I’ll do it. Fll pray to him every 
morning and night.” 

This good resolution arrived at, Nat did not 
hesitate to put it into execution. Kneeling on the 


ISfATHAlSf TODD. 


17 

rock, he spent a time in earnest supplication, and 
when finished, laid down at once to slumber. 

Several times he partly woke, as the snarling 
wolves fought and tugged at the rock which blocked 
up their way ; but he did not arise, as he felt secure. 
When the light of morning streamed into the cave, 
the brutes departed. 

Not forgetting his morning devotion, he arose and 
made ready to continue his journey. He had a 
portion of the antelope sufficient to make a break- 
fast, and enough ammunition to furnish him with all 
the food he would be likely to need for a long time 
to come. 

The weather still continued pleasant; and with 
buoyant spirits he descended the mountain in a 
direction toward the lake where he had first 
encountered Relmond, after his capture by the 
Indians. 

I wonder whether Til find it,” he mused. If 
I can get that and a boss. Til be fitted out, and 
won’t care for anything else.” 

He had seen as yet no signs of Indians, but pro- 
ceeded with extreme caution. During his stay 
among his tribe, he had been allowed considerable 
freedom, as has been shown ; but, now that Imogene 


1 8 2^ATHAU TODD, 

had effected her escape, he knew a closer surveil- 
lance would be kept over him in case he should 
unwittingly come upon some of his captors. 

'' I wish I had a boss ! he exclaimed for the 
twentieth time. Tm getting tired of this ever- 
lasting tramping. My gracious ! what's them ? " 
As if in answer to his wish, he beheld, hardly a 
hundred yards distant, two horses leisurely cropping 
the grass. A second glance showed both to be 
furnished with Indian saddles and bridles, though 
they were much scratched and disarranged from 
their passage through the woods and undergrowth. 
‘‘ I thank the Lord for that," said Nat, earnestly ; 
it's a special providence that both are saddled as 
I don’t like riding bareback. When one get's tired 
of carrying me, the other can take a turn. Ah ! 
they're the two bosses that Relmond told me got 
away from him and Imogene the other night. Yes! 
there's her pony, as sure as the world. I've often 
seen her with him. I must get him!^' 

With this, he proceeded to capture the Indian 
pony, which, in reality, was the one once owned by 
Imogene. This was exceedingly difficult, as the 
animal had already scented danger, and stood ready 
to bound away in an instant. But Nat was equal 
to the difficulty, and at last seized the bridle and 
vaulted into the saddle. 


19-20 






2^ AT HAN TODD. 


21 


Whoop ! ” he shouted, swinging his plumes over 
his head. ‘‘ Three cheers for Nat Todd ! all ready ! 
hurrah ! 

He had secured a prize indeed. His horse was a 
coal-black pony, fiery and high-spirited, with clean, 
graceful limbs, and of good bottom. He was 
obedient, too, under rein, and dashed away as 
merrily as if he enjoyed himself as much as his 
master. 

There’s only one thing more that I need, and I 
must have that.” 

Away his horse careered, as swift as the wind — 
now thundering up some swell in the prairie, now 
plunging headlong through the bushes, and then 
dropping into a walk as his path led through the 
denser wood. Nat had left the mountain which 
contained the ‘'Death Rock,” and was journeying 
over a well-timbered country, crossed by innumer- 
able streams and patches of prairie. 

Late in the afternoon he reached the lake of 
which we have spoken. Here he dismounted, and 
leading his horse a short distance away, secured 
him, while he made a search for his canoe. He 
found it just as it had been left. Springing into it, 
he shot rapidly toward the opposite shore. It was 
a long pull, and it required an hour to reach it. 
As the canoe grated on the sand, he sprung out and 


22 


l^ATHA^ TODD. 


hurried away a short distance, when he halted be- 
side an old rotten chestnut. His manner was ex- 
cited, and he breathed rapidly as he plunged his 
hand into a rent in the side. While feeling around 
in the darkness, his eye suddenly sparkled with ex- 
ultation, and he exclaimed : 

Fve got it ! whoop ! I’ve got it ! ” 

And the next instant he hauled out into the light 
his — old fur hat! 


NATHAN TODD. 


23 


CHAPTER II. 

Nat’s first adventure. 

‘‘ Yes, IVe got the blessed thing ! ” exclaimed our 
hero in his joy. “ Nobody hasn’t disturbed it. 
There ! that’s the last of you ! ” he added, as he 
dashed his gaudy plumes to the ground. Then, 
placing his own cool hat on his head, he continued, 

O-h-h-h ! ain’t that nice ! — ^Jerusalem ! ” 

It was no wonder at all, that he uttered the last 
exclamation, for, at the first turn in the walk he had 
commenced with his recovered prize, his eyes 
encountered the chief of the very tribe he had left ! 
The savage was scarce a dozen feet distant, and had 
been watching him all the time. Nat recovered his 
equanimity in an instant. 

'^How are you, Upsarena? Glad to see you — 
(no. I’ll be hanged if I am.) Hope you’re well — 
(no, I don’t, either.) ” 

“ The Long Knife hunts a great while ! ” replied 
the chief, without noticing his words. 


24 


NATHAN TODD. 


‘‘ Well, yes, ’twas quite a spell. Hope you 
haven't been anxious on my account." 

The chief gazed steadily at him a moment, and 
then said: 

“ The Long Knife will go to the lodges of 
Upsarena." 

‘‘ Wait, hold on you ; I've left my — my — I've left 
my pocket-book on the other side of the lake, and 
must go get it." 

Before Upsarena could make a reply, Nat reflected 
that he had told a falsehood, and thus violated the 
vow he had made the evening before. He resolved 
at once he wouldn't lie to save his life. 

No, Upsarena, I haven't left my pocket-book, 
but I have tied my horse on the other side of the 
lake, and I would not like to go to your lodge with- 
out him, because he's a horse that'll make your eyes 
tingle." 

“ The Long Knife had no horse when he sought 
the woods." 

But he found one there." 

The Indian gave our hero one of his piercing 
glances, and the latter saw at once that he was dis- 
believed. 

Upsarena will go in the search ! " said the 
chieftain, quietly. 

Now this was as much dreaded by Nat, and was 


lilATHAN TODD, 


25 


the first determination the chieftain had expressed, 
and how to rid himself of his troublesome visitor 
puzzled him greatly. But he was equal to the 
emergency. Fortunately, he had been so excited in 
his hunt for his cherished hat, that he had left his 
rifle with his horse on the opposite side of the lake. 
Without waiting as long as it has taken us to record 
it, he answered : 

‘‘ Come on, then, Upsarena, for it will soon be 
dark.” 

He led the way, followed by the wary chieftain, 
who watched him as if he suspected mischief. Nat, 
shoving the canoe into the water, stepped in and 
seated himself in the forward part, although by 
doing so he used the long paddle at a considerable 
disadvantage. Upsarena seated himself in the stern 
with folded arms, and with his rifle resting on his 
up-gathered knees. 

The canoe sunk to its very gunwales under th 
combined weight of the two, but Nat impelled it 
through the water with wonderful velocity. His 
heart beat quicker, as he reflected upon the ex- 
pedient necessary to' get rid of his troublesome com- 
panion. Several times he thought of shooting him, 
as he sat so grimly and complacently in the stern 
watching every movement ; but he was prevented by 
several reasons. The first was, his soul revolted at 


26 


'NATHAN TODD, 


the thought of such a murder, even though it might 
add' to his personal safety; the second reason was, 
that if murderously inclined, he had no rifle with 
him ; and the last one was, that even if he possessed 
a weapon, he was afraid to use it in the manner 
mentioned — all of which goes to prove that 
Upsarena was in little danger of being shot at 
present. 

Now and then he glanced furtively over his 
shoulder, as he neared the shore of the lake, while 
the grim chieftain remained as stern and immovable 
as a statue. Hitherto the canoe had glided as 
smoothly as a bird; but suddenly, when within a 
hundred yards of the shore, it careened, capsized, and 
before the wily savage suspected mischief, he was in 
the water swimming for life. Just as the boat turned, 
Nat sprung to his feet and made a tremendous leap 
toward shore, striking out with all his might to 
reach it before his companion. His stratagem 
succeeded to a charm. The water, about ten feet 
in depth, was so clear that the smallest object was 
distinctly visible on the bottom. Before Upsarena 
could grasp his rifle it sunk. Unwilling to lose it, 
he immediately dived for it. He saw it glistening 
on the pebbly bottom, but failed to recover it the 
first time, owing to the shortness of breath with 
which he descended. A second effort was more 


NATHAN TODD. 


27 


successful, and he rose to the surface with the 
cherished weapon in his hand. At this instant our 
hero emerged from the water, and made some ‘‘ tall 
walking ’’ for his horse. He found the animal as he 
had left him, loosed his halter, vaulted into the 
saddle and sped away. 

Good-by, Upsarena ! ” he shouted. Remem- 
ber me to the folks up in your parts ; and now and 
then remember Nat Todd, and the nice swim you 
and he took together.” 

But Nat’s exultation was premature; for, as the 
last word escaped him, and he swung his hat over 
his head, several rifles flamed from the forest behind 
him, and as many bullets whizzed through the air 
in uncomfortable proximity to his body. 

“Jerusalem! who fired them? That’s more than 
I bargained for ! ” 

The truth was, the upsetting of the boat had been 
witnessed by three savages of Upsarena’s tribe who 
had been hunting with him. They supposed it to 
be purely accidental, and knowing there was no 
danger to either, stood and calmly watched the 
struggles of the two in the water. When Nat 
emerged from the water and hurried up the bank, 
however, their suspicions were aroused and they 
dashed after him. When they came in view again, 
the audacious white was galloping away, shouting 


28 


NATHA2J TODD, 


and swinging his hat in the manner described. 
Their suspicions were confirmed at once, and the 
three fired, without waiting for their chief. The 
latter was with them in a moment, and, brandishing 
his rifle over his head furiously commanded the 
capture of the white man. Forgetting himself, 
Upsarena raised his own rifle, took aim and pulled 
the trigger. But the click of the lock reminded him 
that for the present his weapon was harmless. 

His scalp must hang in Upsarena's lodge at the 
rising of the sun ! ’’ shouted the enraged warrior, 
bounding forward in pursuit. 

Nat, if he did not hear these words, guessed as 
much, and judged it best not to dispute with the 
chieftain about the matter. 

“ Come, my boss, let’s see what kind of stuff 
you’re made of.” 

The pony, as if sensible of what was required, 
burst forward like a thunderbolt, leaving the pursuers 
rapidly behind. The lake lay at the foot of a moun- 
tain, and was fringed by dense masses of under- 
growth, together with numbers of trees of con- 
siderable size. As Nat freed himself from this 
cover, he emerged upon a rolling prairie scores of 
miles in width, and open, save that, at long intervals, 
it was interpersed with narrow groves of timber, 
which, in turn, bordered the streams crossing it 


29-30 



His scalp must hang at Upsarena’s lodge at the rising of 

the sun,” 




IJATHAN TODD, 


31 


Fortunately it was growing dark, and he felt that 
his enemies could not trouble him much longer. 
Nevertheless, he was not the man to remain in 
danger when the opportunity was afforded for escap- 
ing it. So he loosened the rein and let his horse go. 
The last glimpse he cast' behind him showed him the 
dusky figures of the savages far in the rear on 
a hill, standing together as if in consultation. 

I thought you’d come to your senses,” he re- 
marked, ''and not spend your breath in trying to 
catch what can’t be caught.” 

Feeling thus secure from danger, our hero drew 
his horse down to a walk, and made his way 
leisurely forward. The night was cold and windy. 
There was no moon ; in a short time the darkness 
became so heavy as to veil everything in almost 
impenetrable obscurity. 

After journeying an hour more, he descended a 
sort of valley, and found himself in the midst of a 
grove of cottonwoods. The sound of running water 
showed him what sort of place he had come upon, 
and he decided at once to camp for the night. 
He led his horse a short distance up stream, and 
picketed him in such a manner that the least effort 

* Whenever persons rest for the night they are said to “ camp ; * ** 

and, as the term is used in the West, it is as applicable to a single 
person as to more. 


32 


2^ATHA^ TODD. 


made to escape could not fail to arouse the hunter. 
This done, he peeled off a goodly quantity of the 
cottonwood bark, and laying it in reach of him, 
made preparations for his own comfort. Under the 
circumstances, it was too hazardous to risk a fire, 
and he was content to nestle down in his blanket at 
the foot of a huge willow. 

Sleep, heavy and sweet, gradually overcame the 
hunter, and in a short time he was as unconscious of 
external things as if he had never been born. 

It was near midnight when he awoke. What it 
was that aroused him he could never tell; but, he 
had grown to believe there was a special Providence 
watching over him, and attributed it to that alone. 
It sometimes happens that, in the midst of heavy 
slumber, our senses are quietly but instantaneously 
aroused, and it was thus with our adventurer. Be- 
fore he hardly knew it himself, his eyes opened as 
did every sense. He lay perfectly motionless and 
listened. The wind sighed mournfully through the 
tree-tops above him, and the stream rippled as 
sweetly as ever. Still, he did not stir, for he felt 
the danger that was lurking in the air around 
him. 

The next instant he was startled by the snapping 
of a twig, as though the foot of some one passing 
had broken it, and a minute after he heard voices! 


2JATHAN TODD. 


33 

They spoke in the tongue of the Sioux, and he thus 
knew they were his pursuers. 

The Long Knife has camped here,’' spoke one, 
as if in consultation with the others. 

Has he not passed through the stream and fled 
onward ? ” asked another. 

The trail leads to the trees and is lost. It is 
not on the other side.” 

A few moments’ silence followed the latter remark. 
Then the savages recommenced their search. With 
feelings that may well be imagined, Nat shrunk 
beneath the sheltering tree and listened. Now the 
cautious tread came nigher and nigher, until it 
seemed discovery was inevitable. Then again the 
sounds grew fainter and fainter, until he began to 
breathe freer, when a shiver would run over him 
as he heard the deep breathing of one of his enemies 
within striking distance. How his horse escaped 
discovery he was at a loss to tell ; but in such cases it 
often seems the instinct that protects the animal is 
equal to the reason that saves the man. It appears 
incredible that such brutes as horses and cows can 
conceal themselves so as to baffle discovery even 
under the light of day. But that such is the fact is 
well known. 

The horse, apparently sensible of his duty, re- 
mained in a standing position as motionless as the 


34 


NATHAN TODD. 


tree beside him; and thus was no more likely to 
attract attention in the deep gloom than an inanimate 
-object. Thus it was the cautious Indian fairly 
brushed him several times without so much as 
suspecting his existence. Another thing puzzled 
Nat greatly. How was it possible for them to 
detect his trail in the darkness? Sight surely could 
avail nothing in such an emergency. 

The all-fired imps have come on their hands and 
knees all the way smelling of the trail/" he muttered 
to himself. 

The true cause was soon evident, however. Even 
while speaking, he saw a small point of light glide 
silently forward and disappear on the opposite side 
of the In a second, it flitted to view again, 

and then was as quickly extinguished. Almost im- 
mediately, a noise, as if some one were stepping in 
the water, was heard, and then followed a silence 
of five minutes" duration. While wondering with a 
fear which was not free from superstition, Nat 
suddenly ducked his head, as a torch blazed to view 
within thirty feet of him. Looking carefully out, 
he saw the torch moving to and fro, and lighting up 
the gleaming, painted visage of Upsarena. The 
savage was in a crouching position, moving as 


NATHAN TODD. 


35 

stealthily as the panther, his eyeballs glowing like 
fire. 

** How nice I could wipe you out ! ’’ thought Nat, 
but I forbear. It don’t look right to take a fe’Jow 
so unawares. Jerusalem ! don’t come any nigher S ” 
The Indian was now so closv. that Nat feared the 
thumping of his heart would betray his hiding-place. 
The chief held the torch over his head, his basilisk 
eyes scrutinizing the ground for any evidence of a 
trail. He moved slowly and stealthily around, some- 
times stooping and moving the grass with his 
fingers, and then, rising to the upright position, he 
glared up into the trees, as though he expected to 
detect the form of his foe among the branches. He 
must have had a small opinion of our hero’s courage 
to thus expose himself to his shot. Suddenly the 
light disappeared, and a sharp, hissing sound, as 
of a serpent about to strike, did not escape the 
adventurer’s ears. The next moment the voice of 
Upsarena was heard. 

The trail reaches the stream, but does not cross. 
He has followed the water above, and is not here.” 

Then the tramp of the retreating savages was 
heard, growing fainter and fainter, until no noise 
remained to show that danger had lurked so fear- 
fully near. 


'NATHAN TODD, 


36 

Well, I feel a heap better ! exclaimed Nat, 
rising to his feet and stretching himself. ‘"Them 
ain’t very smart Indians after all. They’ve been 
following me all the time I’ve been asleep, and have 
hunted all around me without coming to the point. 
I thought Upsarena wasn’t — ” 

Standing out in relief against a patch of open sky, 
Nat saw the form of an Indian distinctly outlined. 
The truth was the words of Upsarena were only an 
artifice to ascertain whether the hunter was con- 
cealed in the vicinity. He uttered them in a loud 
tone, and immediately ascended the stream, while 
another savage glided forward a short distance, and 
then halted, his ears on the alert for any suspicious 
sound. The long-drawn yawn and words of Nat 
reached his ears, but the obscurity was too great for 
him to detect the precise spot where the hunter was 
standing. At the same time, the Indian was not 
aware that he was seen at all by his enemy. 

For a moment both remained perfectly motionless. 
That time was amply sufficient for Nat to collect his 
thoughts. The sudden stoppage of his words 
showed the Indian that the hunter suspected danger, 
although he was by no means aware of his full 
knowledge. For a few seconds after the discovery, 


T^ATHA^ TODD, 


37 


our hero was completely astounded; but it was no 
time to give way to his emotions* He saw instantly 
thL: either one or the other must die, and naturally 
preferring it should not be himself, made his prep- 
arations accordingly. Putting the lock of his rifle 
under his hunting-shirt, he so muffled the click, 
while cocking it, as to conceal the sound from his 
enemy. 

With the Indian, the minute had been as pregnant 
with emotions as with the white man. His first 
thought when startled by Nac"s words was to signal 
to his companions to approach ; but he saw at once 
that such a course would give the hunter timely, 
warning, and being an ambition^ ifiaii he determined 
to secure his scalp without the am of his com- 
panions. 

Nat saw the head of the Indian slowly sink, and 
his body gradually blend with the undergrowth, and 
taking as good aim as the darkness allowed, he 
fired. A yell of agony and fury, so horrible as to 
craze the hunter, followed, and the hurrying tramp 
of feet was heard. Nat, hardly conscious of what 
he did, ran a short distance, and brought up against 
a tree, which he ascended in a twinkling. Cower- 
ing among the limbs, he listened. 


38 


NATHAN TODD, 


Everything was as silent as death. Once a faint, 
suppressed moan was heard, but nothing else, save 
the sighing of the wind and the ripple of the stream, 
disturbed the oppressive stillness. A faint moon 
had now arisen, and its light illumined the prairie 
for a short distance. But the stream, the trees and 
valley were like a solid mass of darkness winding 
across the country, and although he strained his 
vision to the utmost to pierce the gloom beneath, it 
was all in vain. With a great deal of difficulty and 
trepidation, he succeeded in loading his rifle, and 
anxiously waited for the further development of the 
danger. 

In a half-hour, something was seen to flit like a 
star among the bushes below, and a second glance 
showed our hero that the torch was again in requisi- 
tion. 

It’ll never do for them to bring that candle 
under this tree,” muttered the hunter. They’d 
just as sure get a glimpse of me here. Strange! 
they’ve no more fear of me than to show themselves 
that way. Well ! it’s time they learned a lesson, and 
I don’t know of a person better qualified than Nat 
Todd to give ’em one. I wish that plaguy Indian 
would just hold still a minute till I can draw bead 
on him.” 


2^ATHAN TODD, 


39 


All this time he was dodging his head around, 
hurriedly pushing the muzzle of his rifle through 
the branches, and doing his utmost to get a sight at 
the savage holding the torch. Failing to do this, 
and the light constantly approaching his hiding- 
place, he at last became so excited as to entirely for- 
get himself. 

“ Say, you, just look out for your head now — ’’ 

Instantly the light became stationary, and the 
bronzed features of a savage were seen for a second, 
when all was darkness again — but not before the 
rifle of our hero flamed out in the darkness, with no 
effect save to desperately frighten his enemies, each 
scattering to cover as quick as thought. For- 
tunately for Nat, the flash of his weapon was not 
seen, and his hiding-place remained as great a 
mystery to his foes. 

An hour of undisturbed stillness followed. The 
hunter was too shrewd to be deceived by the silence 
of the Indians. That they were plotting some new 
mischief was certain, and all that he could do was 
to do nothing but to lie close and keep a bright 
lookout. 

Despite the fearful circumstances in which Todd 
was placed, a heavy drowsiness began to steal over 


40 


:NATHAN TODD. 


him. First he gave a sudden nod, bumping his head 
against the tree, which thoroughly awaked him. 

Jerusalem ! if I wasn’t going to sleep,” he 
gasped, ‘‘ with them imps sneaking right under me. 
I won’t wink both eyes agin to-night.” 

To enforce this good resolution he pinched him- 
self, pulled his hair, and resorted to every artifice 
at hand. Finally, he began speculating upon the 
end of his present dilemma. He must be out of it 
pretty soon by some means or other, or his case 
would be hopeless. The morning could not be far 
off, and when his situation became known, an uncon- 
ditional surrender would be the only course left; 
and Nat well knew that to fall into his enemies’ 
hands after committing such crimes as he had, would 
terminate his adventures at once. 

A similar situation and such thoughts as these 
were certainly enough to keep any ordinary mortal 
awake. But sleep is as insidious an enemy as death, 
and, do his utmost, Nat could not keep him off. He 
succumbed at last in spite of himself. 

The In jin’s all right, I guess — so’s Nat Todd-— 
all right — clever fellers — ’s all right ! ” 

Thus he mumbled, as he commenced nodding 
again. Finally he laid his head on the limb before 
him, closed his eyes, and resigned himself to his 
dreams. And the dreams came, and his sleep was 


I^ATHAN TODD. 


41 

disturbed. He fancied he was in a hand-to-hand 
struggle with Upsarena, and made an effort to give 
him a kick. In so doing he unseated himself and 
dropped to the ground. His rifle falling upon him 
effectually awoke him, and he instantly com- 
prehended his situation. He lay quietly for a mo- 
ment, and then felt cautiously around for his hat. 
Placing this on his head, he grasped his rifle and 
then opened his eyes and looked above. 

His blood froze with horror as he saw two 
monstrous eyes, seemingly of some dread animal, 
within a foot of his face! A row of white teeth 
gleamed still closer, and the hot breath of the 
monster mingled with his own. Nat closed his 
eyes and shudderingly awaited his fate. He felt the 
breath grow warmer, and heard it drawn louder as 
though his foe were gathering to strike. He uttered 
a short prayer, and believed that all was over. 
Something warm touched his cheek, as though an 
animal were licking it. He opened his eyes again 
and saw that he had fallen at the feet of his horse, 
who was thus manifesting his affection for his 
master. 

‘‘ Fve a good notion to shoot you for scaring me 
so,” muttered Nat. ‘^No, bless your old heart, 
youVe just the one I want to see.” 

He quickly cut the thong that bound the horse. 


42 


NATHAN TODD. 


leaped in the saddle, and turning the animal's head 
toward the open prairie, started him on a full run* 
The inevitable shout and swing of the hat accom- 
panied this movement, but there was no answering 
yell from the savages. They were at that moment 
several hundred yards up-stream, and caught a 
shadowy glimpse of a man galloping away in the 
darkness, as his triumphant shout reached their ears* 
One of their number had fallen and their intended 
prey had escaped. 

There were a few stars in the sky, which was 
gradually lighting up with the approach of day, 
as he hurried his horse away from the grove. The 
air was cold and raw — ^the scene cheerless and dis- 
mal ; but his spirits were too much heightened by his 
fortunate escape to notice this peculiarity. He gave 
his horse free rein, gradually sheering him off to 
the left until he was proceeding in a northern direc- 
tion. When he left the grove he had followed the 
back trail, so that this last course was taken to 
regain the lost ground. After a time he made 
another turn at right angles to the one which he 
was pursuing, and in such a manner that he 
described a semicircle. 

As the first rays of the sun appeared above the 
prairie, he reached the identical stream which had 
been the scene of his adventures through the night, 


2fATHA2^ TODD. 


43 


but at a point several miles above. Making his 
way through the grove, he once more dashed out 
upon the open prairie, and was galloping onward 
toward the Rocky Mountains. 


44 


NATHAN TODD. 


CHAPTER III. 

SHOWING THAT WE ARE NEVER TO OLD TO LEARN. 

Thus far Nat Todd had journeyed without 
following any definite course or plan. The all- 
absorbing object which led him westward was 
sufficient to make one of his temperament attempt 
any journey on the North American continent; 
but, as said, he had laid down no course to follow, 
in order to attain the end. Now, as he reined his 
horse down to a slow walk, he commenced medi- 
tating upon the proper course for him to pursue. 

He reflected that he had been guided up to this 
point by a mere whim. A suspicion of Imogene 
Merment, that the tribe who captured her sister 
had proceeded to Oregon, had grown to a seeming 
certainty, and he had suffered himself to be blindly 
led by it. For aught he knew, she might have been 
taken to Southern California or New Mexico, and it 
was as probable that she was in possession of one of 
the hundred tribes of the Southwest as of the 
Northwest. Over that mighty area of country, 
comprehending twenty degrees of latitude, and 


UATHAN TODD. 


45 


exceeding in extent all the States east of the 
Mississippi, roamed thousands of Indians, any 
tribe of which might hold the object of his journey ; 
and the valleys of the Columbia, Sacramento, or 
Colorado, or the slopes of the Cascade, Humboldt 
river. Sierra Nevada, or Black Hills, might be 
searched without giving him intelligence of the 
lost one’s fate. This gigantic undertaking our 
hero fully realized, and determined, if possible, to 
hunt no further without some clue to assist him. 

Scattered at great distances along the Oregon 
trail, and on the rivers west of the Rocky Moun- 
tain slope, were forts or stations, where, at all times, 
were congregated hunters and trappers from every 
part of the Far West. Nat doubted not but that 
he would be able to gain information from some 
of them which would guide him in his search. 

‘‘ Yes, that’s the plan,” he exclaimed, joyously. 
‘‘ I’ll go down to the forts and find out all about her, 
and then hunt her up, take her home and marry her. 
Then won’t Alminy feel bad \ Won’t she ! ” 

The morning was now quite advanced, and he 
concluded it best to give his horse a good rest, and 
refresh himself before proceeding further. He had 
noticed, for the last hour or so, a peculiar dull 
roaring sound, like the distant roll of the ocean, 
and was led to suspect he was near some riven 


46 


NATHAN TODD. 


Turning his horse to the left, he had proceeded 
but a mile or so, when he came upon a small river, 
which he knew at once to be the Big Horn. It was 
narrow, but deep and clear, flowing swiftly over a 
bed of pebbles, that could be seen glistening far 
out from the shore. The water, hardly free from 
the snow of the mountains, was of icy coldness. 
The grass along its banks was luxuriant, and Nat 
turned his horse loose, knowing that he would not 
wander pt, whiJ* he busied himself with hunting 
some food for himself. Singularly enough, he 
could not catch sight of any game, not even a fowl 
or rabbit. Fish of monstrous size could be seen 
lazily floating in the streams, but it was out of his 
power to secure them, and he finally made a break- 
fast off the numerous commotes and pomme blancs 
that were growing around him.* This done, 
he returned to his horse and started a fire. There 
were numerous trees growing in the river bottom, 
and he had little apprehension of disturbance from 
the Indians. The air, sweeping down from the 
Black Hills, was as cold and bracing as winter, and 
he vastly enjoyed the fire he had kindled. 

* The commote is a vegetable resembling the common radish, 
which is often found in the river bottoms of the West. The 
pomme blanc is a native of the mountains, and much resembles, 
both in size and taste, our turnip, although more nourishing than 
the latter. 


lSfATHA:S[ TODD. 


47 


While preparing to resume his journey, he was 
startled by the actions of his horse. He had raised 
his head, his mouth still full of grass, and, with 
every manifestation of alarm, was gazing up the 
stream. His ears were thrust forward, his fore- 
feet planted firmly on the ground, his nostrils 
dilated as though he scented danger in the air. Nat 
bounded to cover at once, and concealing himself 
behind a tree, peered cautiously out to ascertain 
the cause of these actions. 

The alarm of the horse continued. He suddenly 
turned and ran a short distance, when he wheeled 
around with a snort and faced the suspicious object 
again. A slight wind was blowing from that 
direction, and Nat well knew his animal was not 
deceived. His heart beat faster as he reflected that 
a band of hostile Indians or a grizzly bear might 
be stealing upon him, and he silently cocked his 
rifle, determined to fire and then run for life. 

While standing thus, every nerve strung to the 
highest point, he saw a human head, surmounted 
by a coon-skin cap, slowly rise from behind a clump 
of bushes, until the face and shoulders of a white 
man were visible. It remained a moment in this 
position, and then quickly disappeared. Nat saw 
the features too plainly to be mistaken. They were 
those of one of his own kin, and of one who was 


48 


NATHAN TODD. 


consequently a friend. Without hesitation he called 
out: 

‘‘ Hello, you, sir ! Come out and show yourself ! 
It's me, Nathan Todd, of Maine. Don't be fright- 
ened, I won't hurt you." 

A moment after, the person addressed stepped 
boldly into view and advanced toward the fire, 
where our hero met him. A glance showed the 
stranger to be a trapper from the mountains. His 
dress was half-savage, similar to those generally 
worn on the frontier — composed of moccasins, leg- 
gings, the hunting-shirt, and the skin-cap, which 
was drawn down to the beetling eyebrow in front. 
A thick, grizzly beard covered most of the face, 
so that little besides the gleaming eyes and the pug 
nose was visible. A long, dangerous-looking rifle 
was held in the left hand, while the right was ex- 
tended to grasp the proffered one of our hero. 

How-de-do," exclaimed the latter. Glad to 
see you. Hope your folks are all well. I am, 
and you look as though you might be." 

What's your handle ? " asked the trapper, in 
a voice that sounded like the rumble of thunder, 
and which made Nat start from where he stood. 
‘‘ What's the matter ? " asked the stranger, as his 
eyes sparkled. 

“ Nothin', only I stepped on a pin or tack that 


49-50 



“ ‘ What’s the matter ? ’ asked the stranger.* ** 



IfATHAN TODD. 


SI 


some one left here — that is, I stepped on something. 
What’s my name, did you ask? Nathan Todd — 
Nathan Todd — O heavens o’ nath! don’t squeeze 
my fingers so ! What’s your name ? ” 

Tom Langdon, trapper and Indian-fighter.” 

** So I s’pose — so I s’pose. What are you doing 
here, if you’ve no objections to tell a friend?” 

'' I’m trappin’. This ar’ the place whar I’ve 
circ’lated for the last ten year, and it’s the fust 
time I’ve see’d a white in these parts. I’d jest 
been ’round to ’tend to the traps and skin the 

beavers, when I cotched sight of your smoke ” 

I hain’t been smoking — I hain’t been smoking ! ” 
But your fire has. I see’d the smoke, as I’s 
sayin’, and knowed it war a white, and a powerful 
green one at that, ’cause you wouldn’t cotch a red 
kindlin’ a fire right under my nose that way. 
They’ve been down in these parts once or twice 
since I’ve trapped, and I’d never knowed it ef I 
hadn’t smelt ’em. I see’d yer horse pitch and tear, 
’cause he scented the beaver-blood I’ve got on me. 
But what brings yer down in these parts? Not 
trappin’, I take it ? ” 

No ; I’m searching for a lovely maiden that was 
lost many long, long years ago.” 

It would be difficult to describe the expression 
that illumined the visage of the trapper at this 


52 


NATHAN TODD. 


reply. His monstrous beard nearly concealed it, 
but there was a blending of surprise and drollery 
in it, and he asked : 

^‘How come you to lose her? And what makes 
you think you’ll find her in this region? I never 
knowed gals were circulatin’ here.” 

Nat related, as briefly as possible, his own 
adventures and those of William Relmond since 
leaving the States, dwelling particularly upon the 
history of Imogene Merment and the supposed 
fate of her lost sister. The trapper listened atten- 
tively, and at its conclusion gave vent to a silent 
but hearty laugh. 

What you laughing at ? ” asked Nat, indig- 
nantly. 

You.” 

What have I done ? I should like to know.” 

"‘Oh, you are so powerful green!” replied the 
trapper, still laughing. 

Nat held a dignified silence until the mirth of his 
companion had somewhat abated, when he inquired : 

“ Am I going to have you for company ? ” 

“ Ef yer waits ’yer till about two months more, and 
then turns your nose toward the States and tramps, 
p’raps you mought.” 

“Jerusalem! if I had knowed that, I would have 
been ten miles further on my journey by this time.” 


l^ATHAl^ TODD. 


53 


With this, our hero turned and signaled his horse 
to approach. The trapper looked quietly on, and 
suffered him to mount without speaking. 

Good-day, sir,’’ said Nat, nodding stiffly. 

'' I shouldn’t wonder,” returned the trapper, with 
a broad smile. 

Nat struck his horse into a canter, and had pro- 
ceeded about a hundred yards, when he heard him- 
self hailed. 

‘‘ What’s wanting? ” he asked, wheeling his horse 
around. 

“ Jest trot this way a minute,” said the stranger. 

Nat slowly approached, and in a moment con- 
fronted the eccentric hunter. 

“ Got a piece of pig-tail handy ? ” asked the latter. 

Nat was so provoked that he hardly knew what 
to reply; but proffered the tobacco which he had 
obtained from the Indians. The trapper took the 
plug, twisting a small piece from it. Then holding 
it out, he asked : 

“ That’s ’nough for a chaw, ain’t it ? ” 

“ I s’pose so.” 

‘‘ Wal, you take it then.” 

So saying, he coolly placed the larger piece in his 
pocket, and turned his back upon Nat. The latter 
sat like a statue for the space of five minutes, alter- 
nately looking at the remnant of his tobacco stock 


54 


l^ATHA^^ TODD, 


in his hand and at the one who had deprived him of 
it. Then, with a half-suppressed What an awful 
hog ! ” he once more cantered away. 

Hello, Nathin Toad!'" called the trapper, when 
he had proceeded even further than before. 

Our hero cantered on without heeding. 

Hello, you, Nathin Toad ! " came again in a 
thundering voice. 

‘‘What do you want?" asked Nat, spitefully. 

“ Jest come here a minute." 

Had our adventurer deemed himself fairly out 
of rifle-shot, no commands would have brought him 
back ; but, not knowing what his new-found acquain- 
tance would take into his head to do, he concluded 
it hardly safe to tempt him too much. 

“ Well, here I am again," he said, as he once more 
confronted his troublesome companion. “ I haven't 
any more tobacco to spare, though." 

The trapper bent his keen gaze on him a moment, 
then asked: 

“You're lookin' fur a gal, ain't you?" 

“ For a maiden — ^yes." 

“And you haven't axed whether I didn't know 
nothin' 'bout her." 

Nat started, for the idea of obtaining information 
of the person before him had never entered his 


NATHAN TODD. 


55 

mind until he had thus been reminded of it ; and he 
saw, moreover, that the trapper was in earnest. 

My gracious ! I never thought of it — that’s 
true ! Do you know anything of her ? ” 

‘‘ Yes/’ 

*^When? — how? — where? — what did you say? — 
who’s got her ? — when did you see her ? ” eagerly 
asked Nathan, fairly beside himself. 

'' Jest hold on now. Let — me — see,” slowly re- 
peated the trapper, removing his cap and scratching 
his head, as if to help his memory. I’ve heard of 
a gal somewhar, but you may raise my ha’r if I can 
tell whar it was.” 

''Jerusalem! can’t you remember^” excitedly 
asked Nat. " Think hard ; you’ll recollect in a 
minute. I’ll die if I don’t find out something now.” 

" Nathin Toad,” said the trapper, looking up in 
his face, " the minute you told me that story, I 
knowed some one had told me sunkthin’ like it, and 
I tried to think who it war. I called yer back and 
axed yer fur that pig-tail, jest to see how you’d 
take it. Ef you’d been mean, I wouldn’t said nothin’ 
to you about the gal; but you’s pretty clever like, 
and I’ll try and overhaul this memory of mine. Let 
— me — see,” repeated the trapper again, fixing his 
eyes upon the ground and thinking intently. 


IfATHA^ TODD. 


56 

She’s a splendid-looking maiden,” quickly added 
Nat, as if to assist his recollection. 

"" Jest put a stop on that meat-trap of yourn, while 
I cogitate awhile.” 

So saying, the trapper folded his arms over the 
muzzle of his rifle, and leaning his chin upon it, 
appeared to gaze far off at the clouds that were 
straggling through the western horizon. His eyes 
had that vacant look which showed his mind to be 
entirely occupied with itself, and totally oblivious 
of everything else. Nearly twenty minutes were 
thus occupied, during which, it may well be sup- 
posed, the impatience of Nat could not but mani- 
fest itself. He whistled, coughed, sung, fidgeted 
in his seat, but it availed nothing to the trapper. 
The solid rock was not more motionless than he. 
At last he drew a long breath and resumed his 
upright position. 

‘‘ Come, let’s hear it quick,” said Nat. 

‘‘ It ain’t much, I allow, but I make no doubt it’s 
sunkthin’. It was two year ago, down at Brown’s 
Hole, that I heard it. A lot of us fellers were tellin’ 
stories round the fire thar one night, in the winter, 
when old Sol Jagzin, or ^ Oregon Sol,’ as he was 
called, (yes, I’m sure it was Sol, now,) told a 
wonderful story ’bout a white gal he’d see’d some- 
whar up in Oregon, near the Blue Mountains, I 


NATHAN TODD. 


57 


think. He had trapped two seasons, near the canon 
of one of the rivers thar, and was cac’latin’ stayin’ 
another, when one night one of the most bootifulest 
critters, outside the States, came down on him and 
told him the reds had spotted him, and war gwine 
to lift his ha’r and borrer his traps and peltries. He 
axed her some questions, and larnt that she lived 
’mong the reds — ^though what tribe, I don’t mind. 
She said she and her sister had been took by the 
knaves when they wan’t taller than a young beaver. 
Sol offered to take her down to one of the forts and 
start her home agin. But she said she had no home 
’cept ’mong the In jins, and wouldn’t go. Sol said 
she was powerful handsome, dressed up like a 
squaw, with jest such black eyes and ha’r, and with 
a little foot not bigger than a beaver’s claw. He 
coaxed her a little while, but it was no use. She 
didn’t ’pear to want to leave. She said the reds had 
found one of Sol’s traps the day afore, and they 
cac’lated on having tall times when they come down 
on him. She had managed to find out what they 
was drivin’ at, and had hunted ’round till she found 
out where he hid himself. 

Wal, Sol had jest time to pack up his skins and 
get out of the way of the imps when they did come 
down on his house. Howsumever, he was all right, 
and got off cl’ar. Sol, as I said, told me this two 


TODD. 


58 

year ago, and it was two year afore that he had 
see’d this gal. He said he had gone up in them 
parts two— three times since, jest to find out ’bout 
the gal, but never had heard or seen anything of 
her since. Remember, she wan’t a woman, but 
only a little girl, and may not be the one you’re 
arter, ’cause I know them reds ar’ desprit on 
cotchin’ sich poor critters.” 

‘‘Who is Oregon Sol?” asked Nat breathlessly. 

“ He’s a feller that’s trapped up in Oregon nigh 
onto twenty years, and who’s got that name on that 
account.” 

“ Where is he now ? ” 

“ Ugh ! gone under, like enough. Hain’t seen 
him since I’s down to Brown’s^Hole two years ago 
this last winter.” 

“ If living, where do you suppose I could find 
him?” 

“ Dunno — he’s a quar dog. He’s got a home 
somewhar up in Oregon whar he lives alone, and 
ef you sarch around thar for ten or fifteen year, 
you might run afoul of him some dark night.” 

“ But how was it you saw him at Brown’s Hole? ” 

“ He comes down thar once in awhile, I b’lieve. 
It was in the winter, as I said, that I see’d him, but 
I dunno whether that’s the time he takes to make the 
folks a visit or not. He come the day afore and he 


:tfATHA2^ TODD, 


59 

left the next mornin' arter he told us that 
story/' 

‘‘ Well, now, my friend, you've started me on the 
right track, I think, and you're welcome to all the 
tobacco I've got Now, I'm bound to find that 
maiden if she's to be found. What plan would you 
advise me to follow to do this ? " 

“ It's a dubous hunt, Mr. Toad, and, 'yer’s as 
thinks it'll be a long hunt and no game — a long 
trappin' season without a beaver or otter. But, ef 
you're bound to put the thing through, why strike 
a bee-line for Brown's Hole, and jine some of the 
trappers as goes to Oregon. Find out whether 
‘ Oregon Sol, is livin', and hunt him up ef you can, 
though he's so strange-like I don't b'lieve he'd have 
you with him. Ef he ain't gone under, you'll hear 
of him down at the ‘ Hole,' though it's likely you'll 
have to wait awhile, as most of the boys ar' up on 
the beaver runs." 

How long will it take me to reach the place ? " 

Four — five days will take you thar ef you don't 
stop to make any calls on the reds 'long the ways." 

“ I've got to cross the Rocky Mountains, of 
course? I know where Brown's Hole is, and think 
I can easily find it." 

Foller up this Big Horn to the mountains, and 
you'll find a pass that'll take you through." 


6o 


NATHAN TODD. 


Whoop ! hurrah ! ” shouted Nat, swinging his 
hat over his head and dashing away, without paus- 
ing to bid his friend good-by. The trapper watched 
him a moment, and then muttered: 

‘‘ It’ll be a long hunt. I’m afeard.” 

In a short time the joyous Nat Todd was hid 
from view by the intervening trees and under- 
growth. i 


NATHAN TODD. 


6l 


CHAPTER IV. 

SHOWING^THAT IT IS NOT ALWAYS BEST TO BE ALONE. 

After leaving the trapper, Nat rode at a brisk 
gallop in a westerly course, and soon emerged from 
the river-bottom into the open prairie again. Far 
ahead loomed the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. 
Viewed in the clear summer air, their summits 
seemed tinged with a faint blue, and resembled an 
irregular pile of clouds resting in the horizon. 
Away to the northward, as far as the vision could 
reach, the mighty cliffs alone met the eye; and 
sweeping around in a western direction, so as to 
inclose the adventurer in a semicircle, rolled the 
Black Hills, one of the grandest spurs of the whole 
Rocky Mountain chain. On the loftiest heights, the 
pure snow blended almost perfectly with the clear 
sky beyond. Now and then a blast of wind swept 
down from the mountains, bringing its arctic climate 
witfi it. 


62 


:tfATUAN TODD, 


When a scene similar to this is gradually 
approached by the traveler, he experiences its 
sublimity in all its fullness. The roar of Niagara 
frequently impresses the senses with a feeling of 
terror so great as to overcome all other emotions. 
But the solemn, eternal stillness that surrounds 
these mountains is so impressive as to be almost 
audible, like the faint roar of the ocean; and the 
soul seems filled with a thrilling, responsive emotion. 

Nat neared the mountains on a brisk canter ; but, 
for a time, seemed to make no progress at all, for 
distance is as deceptive upon the prairie as upon 
the water. During the afternoon he entered a pass 
several miles in breadth, opening before him like 
a tunnel. He was satisfied, however, that it was not 
the famous ‘‘ South Pass,” at the head-waters of the 
Platte, through which the Oregon trail leads. On 
either hand the gigantic walls towered above him, 
piercing the very clouds. Rocks, jagged and mas- 
sive, were piled up thousands of feet above him, 
and the stunted cedars, a few scrub-oaks and briers, 
were the only sign of vegetable life. Our hero 
gazed above and around him, feeling as though 
passing through the gate of another world. Full 
a thousand feet above, seated on a projecting rock, 


NATHAN TODD, 


63 


he saw something move which resembled a large 
squirrel, but which a second look showed to be a 
grizzly bear. Further on he detected another, but 
they were so distant he had no fear of them. 
Viewed from the cliffs, Nat and his horse would 
have seemed but a mere speck moving through the 
gorge below. 

“ I declare this beats all,’’ he mused. ‘‘ I must 
call on the President when I go back, and tell him 
this is the place where the Pacific Railroad should 
cross the Rocky Mountains. Won’t them grizzlys 
open their eyes when they see the locomotive thun- 
der through here, and hear it give one of its reg- 
ular hurricane screams ? And if old Upsarena 
should be sulky enough not to give the track when 
the train comes along, won’t he get a bump? 
Gracious ! it’ll be as bad as if I had run accidentally 
into him.” 

It required several hours, even at the hurried rate 
at which he was going, to get through the pass. 
Toward the latter part the way was rougher, and 
met with more obstructions. 

“ Well, here I am at last,” he exclaimed, as he 
found himself once more upon the open prairie. 
There are no more mountains to cross this side 


64 


NATHAN TODD. 


of the fort, I believe. Til fetch up there in a day 
or two, see that Oregon Sol, find out where Irene 
is, hunt her up, take her down to the States, marry 
her of course — blazes ! what’s that ? ” 

A full grown panther stood within a dozen feet 
of him. Passing a small cluster of trees, the animal 
bounded in front of his rearing horse with that 
wondering stare which a brute gives at the first 
sight of a white man. Nat restrained his horse 
from fleeing, and hardly knowing what he did, tried 
to ride down the panther, but his noble horse re- 
fused obedience. After a while, our hero bethought 
himself of his rifle, and without stopping to take 
aim, fired at the brute. The aimless ball did no 
harm, and the frightened beast scampered away at a 
rapid pace.* 

That’s the luckiest move you ever made,” 
shouted Nat, after the retreating animal. ‘‘ If I 
had time I’d follow you up, and teach you better 
than to stand before such a dangerous rifle as the 
one Nathan Todd possesses.” 

Darkness had now begun to settle over the 

♦ The panther found among the Black Hills is an animal totally 
dissimilar from the one of the East. The former is of smaller 
size, scrawny and cowardly, and rarely can be induced to face the 
hunter, even when wounded. 


2^ATHA1SI TODD, 


65 

prairie, and our traveler concluded it best to seek 
a place for encampment. The place around bore 
evidence of having been traveled before; and after 
searching until dark, he decided upon a spot in a 
valley-like depression, where the remains of a camp^ 
fire were visible. He judged it best not to kindle 
a fire, as it might attract more disagreeable visitors 
than his last one did. First picketing his horse, he 
lay down within a short distance, depending upon the 
animal’s sagacity to arouse him in case of danger. 

The beast had already given such evidence as to 
make it certain that no foe, however wary, could 
approach without exciting his alarm. Invoking, as 
usual, the protection of Heaven, Nat closed his 
eyes in slumber. He had precaution enough, 
however, to collect a large quantity of wood, so that 
in case he should need a fire during the night, he 
would not be at a loss to obtain it. 

Just before closing his eyes, he was startled by 
hearing among the mountains a long, peculiar cry — 
a sort of lengthened, tremulous howl of the most 
dismal tone. Although he had heard nothing like 
it before, he judged it to proceed from the dreaded 
mountain-wolf. He listened awhile, and hearing no 
repetition, closed his eyes, little dreaming that the 


66 


NATHAN TODD. 


trail of his horse was the occasion of the ominous 
sound. 

A half-hour later, he was brought to his feet by 
the most appalling cry that ever pierced his ears. 
There was something so unearthly — so horrible 
about it, that for a time he was completely unnerved. 
It was that sound which his horse had given in the 
agony of extreme fear; and not even the wild yells 
of the mountain-wolves, that followed it, were so 
fearful. 

Nat found his horse rearing and tugging at his 
rope, his eyes fixed and glowing, and his body 
quivering with fear. He approached him, and after 
a time succeeded in partly pacifying him, and then 
looked around to ascertain the cause of his alarm. 
Nothing was visible, although the moon enabled 
him to see quite a distance. About twenty feet 
away he noticed a stump, around which he deemed 
it best to start his fire, as he believed the fright of 
his horse was occasioned by some animal lurking 
in the vicinity. Accordingly, he gathered an arm- 
ful of fuel and tossed it toward the stump. His 
surprise was unbounded when he saw what he 
supposed to be a stump rise to its feet, with a threat- 
ening growl, and spring back several yards, where 
it resolutely confronted him. 


NATHAN TODD, 


67 

Heavens ! exclaimed Nat, with a start. Who 
thought you were a sneaking wolf? I took you for 
a stump, and thought that growl a stump-speech. 
See how you like that ! 

He did not miss his aim this time. The wolf 
doubled up like a steel-trap, uttering a dying howl, 
that was answered by a hundred throats from the 
mountain. Admonished by this fearful warning, 
Nat soon had a brisk fire burning, and enough wood 
piled beside it to keep it going until morning. He 
then led his horse up to it, so as to be out of reach 
of any animal, and loading his rifle waited for his 
visitors. 

The place which he had chosen for his camping- 
ground was, as said, a sort of hollow or depression 
which so concealed his fire as to prevent its being 
seen until one was directly upon it. The death-howl 
of the wolf near him was still echoed by others, 
and it was easy to tell by the sounds that they were 
signaling to each other, and were rapidly centering 
around the spot which contained their dead com- 
panion. In a moment, Nat saw through the smoke 
a pair of glowing eyes fixed upon him, and a length- 
ened whine, terminating in a sharp yelp, brought a 
score of others almost instantly to their side. 


68 


NATHAN TODD, 


Matters were certainly beginning to look serious, 
but Nat, knowing the dread which every animal 
has of fire, felt that if watchful and vigilant, there 
was no personal danger. His only fear was that 
the terror of his horse would become so great as to 
make him uncontrollable, and he would burst across 
the prairie and be lost forever to him. 

The wolves continued to increase in number until 
it seemed that several hundred were gathered on the 
bank above. The first intruder, whose death was 
the penalty of his temerity, was seized by the fore- 
most of the others and devoured in a twinkling. 
This served only to increase their thirst for blood, 
and they became doubly furious and venturesome. 
Although Nat held his horse so close to the fire as 
to scorch them both, a huge wolf made several leaps, 
and snapped his jaws so close that his animal sprung 
into the flame to escape him. He instantly leaped 
out again, and it was with the greatest difficulty 
that he could be restrained. The wolf, encouraged 
by his success, endeavored to get at the horse’s heels 
so as to hamstring him. Lying down on his face, 
he crawled within a foot or two and then made a 
spring; but the horse seemed to understand his in- 
tention, and, quick as was the movement of the 


TODD. 69 

wolf, he encountered the heels of the animal with 
such force as to split his head open and scatter his 
brains to the wind. The wolf, while yet quivering 
in the throes of death, was pounced upon by his 
companions as usual, and torn limb from limb ! 

Nat was struck with admiration at this exploit of 
his horse, and determined to attempt the same thing 
himself. He waited until another huge fellow had 
ventured rather close, when he stepped forward 
and gave a furious kick, closing the animal’s jaws 
like the spring of a steel-trap. But before he could 
withdraw his foot it was seized by several with such 
power as to bring him upon his back, and he felt 
that he was being drawn away from the fire by the 
infuriated beasts! 

Murder ! let go, can’t you ? ” he shouted, clutch- 
ing madly about him, and still retaining the halter 
of his horse. In his frantic movements he seized a 
firebrand and hurled it blazing among the swarming 
bodies. His foot was freed instantly, and the 
wolves retreated several yards, but immediately re- 
turned. Before they reached him, he was on his 
feet again, and too close to the fire for them to 
reach him. 

Confound it ! I wished Td gone home with Bill 


70 


NATHAN TODD. 


Relmond, instead of coming out here like a fool 
to hunt up that squaw of an Irene Merment ! ex- 
claimed Nat. ‘‘I might better have staid home, any 
way/^ 

But regrets could avail nothing; and, to use a 
common expression, he was ‘‘ in for it,^' and com- 
pelled to make the best of what seemed a bad affair 
just at present. It now occurred to h'm to attempt 
an expedient which he remembered hearing the 
trapper, Bidden, mention as having been used by 
himself in a similar case. Raising his rifle at 
random, he fired into the group. It was almost 
impossible to miss killing one, and a sharp yelp 
showed that he had not failed. The slain wolf 
followed the fate of the others, and was devoured 
with as much gusto as though he had been Nat Todd 
himself. As soon as the latter could reload, he dis- 
charged his gun again. This time the bullet plowed 
its way through the haunch of one wolf, and buried 
itself in the head of another. The latter, not notic- 
ing his own hurt, sprung upon the fallen one. Be- 
fore this one was fairly devoured, several scented 
the blood of the wounded one, and although he was 
as active and powerful as the rest, he was borne 
down to the earth by a score of ravenous ones, and 
quickly dispatched. 


NATHAN TODD, 


71 


Nat fired over twenty shots into the herd, and 
more than that number fell victims; and still it 
seemed to have no effect save to whet the appetite 
of the others. Several more were slain, when the 
hunter noticed his ammunition was getting low. 
Prudence compelled him, therefore, to desist from 
his work of slaughter. With much care he re- 
loaded his rifle, determined to use it again only as 
a last resort. But the fury and courage of the 
wolves had so increased, that he saw some other 
expedient must be resorted to, or his life would not 
be his own in a half-hour. He threw several fire- 
brands among them. This always scattered them 
for a moment ; but it could not be continued, for the 
good reason that it must deprive him of his fire, and 
thus make his case entirely hopeless. 

As an additional means of defense be kindled 
another fire, and finally had four in full blast, so 
that he was inclosed in a circle of flame. This 
served every purpose, and no matter how great the 
hunger or temerity of the wolves, not one durst 
venture over the magic boundary. A feeling of 
relief and security now came over Nat, and he con- 
gratulated himself upon having foiled the insatiate 
brutes at last. 


72 


NATHAI^ TODD. 


But it was not long before this emotion of relief 
gave way to that of sickly terror. He saw that his 
fuel could possibly last still morning. A couple of 
hours more at the most, and it must die out. Nat, 
in despair, looked up to the heavens, and saw by the 
constellations that it was hardly midnight. 

Several times he revolved a desperate scheme in 
his mind; it was to mount his horse and start off 
on a full run. It seemed the only hope left, and yet 
a second thought told him it would be certain de- 
struction. Impeded with his weight, the horse must 
finally succumb and fall a victim. The lank, cadav- 
erous wolves were capable of worrying any animal 
of the prairie to death; and the most terrific speed 
to which the horror of death could urge his ani- 
mal would preserve him but an hour or so. No; 
he dismissed this plan, satisfied that it could avail 
him nothing. 

Hour after hour gradually wore away, and th-e 
fires slumbered low. With feelings which none can 
imagine, our hero threw the last stick upon the fire ! 
As yet no hope of escape dawned upon him ! 

Up to this time the yells and clamor of the 
wolves Had been deafening; but Nat all at once 
noticed that they had ceased, and the silence of death 


73-74 








2fATEA^ TODD. 


75 


reigned over the scene. Some great fear had fallen 
upon them, and they now dashed away in a tumultu- 
ous drove, leaving the hunter entirely alone with 
his horse. 

‘‘ Some greater danger, if possible, threatens ! ’’ 
he exclaimed. 

Scarcely had he spoken when he caught the out- 
lines of a colossal form above him, and saw instantly 
that a grizzly bear was approaching. His horse 
caught sight of the brute at the same moment, and, 
with a wild yell, broke from him and dashed 
across the prairie, his mane streaming in the wind. 
The bear instantly followed, on a loping, tumbling 
gait, and Nat’s heart thrilled as he saw he was en- 
tirely alone. 

Now’s my time ! ” he exclaimed, catching 
a brand and running up the embankment. He 
caught sight of a dim' cluster of bushes or trees, 
several hundred yards ahead, and waving the brand 
above his head, made a desperate dash for the 
refuge. He had not gone one-half the distance 
when he was surrounded by a dozen wolves, who 
had been frightened from the pursuit of the horse 
by the appearance of the grizzly bear. 

Qear the track ! ’’ he shouted, in a sort of wild 


l^ATHAl^ TODD. 


76 

ecstasy, as he swung the flaming missile around 
around him. The wolves fairly touched him, but 
the brand was all-potent. He reached the tree with- 
out a scratch. Here he was nonplussed for a 
moment. In one hand he held his rifle, and in the 
other the protecting torch, which his rapid run had 
fanned into a roaring blaze. It was impossible to 
climb the tree without dropping both. The hunter 
decided in a moment. Raising a loud shout, and 
waving the brand over his head, he sprung toward 
the wolves, scattering them like chaff. When they 
were a few rods distant, he flung the dreaded flame 
directly among them, and leaping back to the tree, 
dropped his gun and made a bound upward, catch- 
ing a limb and sustaining himself by one hand. 
Over this he threw his feet, and was twisting 
himself over it, when, as if fate was against him, 
the limb broke and he came to the ground again. 
Nothing disconcerted, he made another leap, and 
catching again, brought his body up among the 
limbs. But so close were the wolves, and so nar- 
row the escape the last time, that he found himself 
lightened of a large part of his hunting-shirt, it 
being in the teeth of the greedy cannibals below. 

Now howl as long as you want to!” shouted 


NATHAN TODD. 


77 


Nat, as he clambered up the tree and perched him- 
self in the very top. ‘‘ Til bet I won’t fall asleep 
to-night, and you’ll wait a while before you break- 
fast off of me.” * 

To avoid giving a false impression, we may state that the 
wolf of the West will never attack a person unless the latter has 
the smell of fresh blood about him. They will follow a traveler 
for miles, keeping up their dismal howling, but he is perfectly 
safe so long as there is no fresh wound upon him, or meat in his 
possession. But a few drops of blood will draw the wolves from 
miles distant to the trail. In the incident above given, the fury 
of these animals was caused by a small wound in the horse^s foot 
which had left its mark in several places. 


78 


2fATHAl^ TODD. 


CHAPTER V. 

WHICH IS MOSTLY HISTORICAL. 

Never did shipwrecked mariner hail the sight of 
morning with greater joy and thankfulness than 
did Nat Todd the first glimpse of day in the east. 
As the sun appeared above the horizon, the wolves, 
one by one, shrunk away, until none remained. 
Seeing the coast clear, Nat ventured to descend. 
He found his rifle full fifty feet away from the tree, 
where it had been clawed and disfigured by the 
ravenous animals. It had suffered no material in- 
jury, however, and he was glad enough to recover 
it as it was. From the situation of the sun he was 
able to tell what direction to take to reach the Fort, 
and without losing any time in useless repinings, 
he started off on foot. 

He traveled on until noon, when he shot a bird, 
which furnished him with a hearty dinner. He 
was never at loss for a fire, as his flint furnished 
the means; and the weather was so cool this day, 
that he could not resist the pleasure of enjoying it 
for a while. Unconsciously to himself he fell into 


NATHAN TODD, 


79 


a deep slumber, and did not i^ken until dark. 
Startled at his indiscretion, he sprung on, resolved to 
travel the most of the night to make up for lost 
ground. 

The prairie continued mostly of the rolling kind ; 
and, aided by the faint light of the moon and stars, 
he made considerable progress. Several streams 
were crossed, and finally a sort of grove, of perhaps 
a half-mile in extent, was entered. A cold, chill- 
ing fear crept over our hero as the dark shades en- 
compassed him; and it was in no way lessened 
when he heard the footsteps of some animal behind 
him. In fact, we doubt whether there is a more 
uncomfortable sensation a person can experience, 
than the consciousness that some one or something 
is dogging his footsteps in the dark. The sup- 
pressed step, followed by a treacherous silence — 
the imaginary approach of a foe, and the expected 
blow, make the suspense harder to bear than the 
danger itself. At intervals, the rustle of the leaves 
sounded closer and closer, until he was so wrought 
upon by fear that he could stand it no longer. 
Cocking his rifle, he dodged aside, and concealing 
himself behind a tree, waited the approach of his foe. 
Closer and closer sounded the suspicious footsteps, 
until, all at once, not a wild animal or a human foe 
— but his horse walked directly in front of him. 


8o 


NATHAN TODD. 


Thank heaven ! ’’ exclaimed Nat, fervently. 

This is the most fortunate thing that could have 
happened.’’ 

The horse seemed as much delighted as his 
master, and when he once more felt him upon his 
back, he seemed unable to restrain himself. 

Now you may go till you’re tired,” said Nat,, 
as he emerged into the open prairie. The horse, 
with a neigh of delight, straightened his limbs and 
sped away like a swallow. His rider ceased won- 
dering at his escape from the wolves and bear when 
he saw with what speed he was carried. 

With now and then an occasional halt for rest 
and refreshment, the journey was continued until 
noon of the next day, when he crossed a large 
stream of cold, sparkling water, and several hours 
later he discerned in the distance the plain of 
Brown’s Hole. He struck his horse into a canter 
at sight of it, and moving through the bluflfs, 
crossed two smaller streams that tumbled down 
from the stratified cliffs on his right. After passing 
a few rods further, the whole area burst upon his 
sight. A man dressed like a hunter stood in front 
of the Fort, amusing himself with the antics of a 
couple of dogs. He caught sight of our hero and 
turned toward him. Nat found himself the recip- 
ient of a hearty welcome, and felt that he had 


NATHAN TODD. 


8l 


stumbled upon something like home in the wilder- 
ness. 

Brown’s Hole is one of the most remarkable 
forts on the Pacific slope. It was once termed 

Fort David Crockett,” but it is now more gener- 
ally known by the former name. It stands on the 
Sheetskadee or Prairie Cock river, and is more than 
a mile and a half above the sea-level.* The plain 
upon which it is situated is about six miles across, 
and is walled in completely by a chain of mountains 
rising fifteen hundred feet above. The Sheetskadee 
enters the plain from the northwest side, and sweep- 
ing round in a beautiful curve in front of the Fort, 
makes its way through the mountain-cliffs full a 
thousand feet in height, where it moves over with a 
solemn calmness that is indescribable. 

Not the least remarkable peculiarity of this plain 
is its climate. Forming a plateau, as it does, over 
eight thousand feet in height, one would suppose 
an eternal winter to hold reign. On the contrary, 
the rich mountain-grasses, with numerous copses 
of willow and cotton wood, are growing the entire 
year; and when the blasts of winter whirl the snow 
in blinding drifts over the mountain-peaks and in the 
country around, the horses of the hunters may be 
seen calmly cropping the herbage on the banks of 

* This stream is now marked on maps as Green river. 


82 


NATHAN TODD. 


the Sheetskadee, and the hunters themselves are in 
the height of enjoyment. 

The Fort some years since was a hollow square 
of log-cabins, with the roofs and floors constructed 
of mud. Arpund the outside were numerous 
Indian lodges, where the families of the white 
trappers remained while the latter were absent 
among the mountains or beaver-runs. Many of the 
Shoshone or Snake tribe are found at the Fort. 
They appear in the largest numbers during the 
winter months, when they bring large quantities of 
the meat of the mountain-sheep and other animals, 
which they furnish to the travelers and traders in 
exchange for beads, trinkets, ammunition, etc. A 
store-house also stands outside, where the trappers 
barter their furs, and the Indians their horses, for 
hatchets, knives, fishooks, lead and whisky. 

The Shoshones, are the nearest assimilated to the 
whites, and during the winter months the whole 
tribe, numbering considerably over a thousand, 
pitch their lodges on the plain around the Fort; 
while scores of trappers and hunters congregate 
within the Fort, or among their Indians squaws, and 
a scene of enjoyment, such as is rarely witnessed, 
takes place. There are gatherings among the 
Indian lodges, where both races congregate, while 
moccasins, buffalo-robes and leggins are sewn 


:t^ATHAN TODD. 


83 

with deer-sinews. The wild song of the dusky 
warriors is heard ; and there is dancing, and music, 
and love-making, and marriage — all that go to 
make up life, where, for the time being, the partici- 
pants give way to social pleasure. And many is the 
thrilling legend related by some hunter, who, per- 
haps, has hunted for years on snow-shoes in Prince 
Rupert’s Land, or penetrated to the Frozen Sea for 
seals and walruses ; many is the escape narrated by 
the trapper, who has stealthily secured his peltries 
on the shores of the far-off Columbia, or among the 
wildest fastnesses of the Rocky Mountains, in spite 
of the treacherous Blackfeet or Flatheads. 

Nat arrived at the most unfortunate time at the 
Fort. It being in early summer, the only white men 
were the store-keeper and three or four hunters 
who chanced to be in the neighborhood for a few 
days. 

‘‘ If you seek any of the hunters, you will have 
to wait till autumn. The men are off hunting, 
some of them hundreds of miles distant. They’ll 
be in, perhaps, in the course of several months, 
before starting off for the beaver-runs.” 

This information was given by the trader, after 
OUT hero had been within the place an hour or so, 
and had explained his object in appearing in that 
part of the world at such a time. 


84 


NATHAN TODD, 


“ Do you know anything of a fellow called 
Oregon Sol ? he inquired. 

^ Old Sol Jagzin, you mean ? Ah — yes. No 
man except Kit Carson is so well known this side 
of the Mississippi.’^ 

Where is he now ? ” 

That’s a question I cannot answer, and I 
doubt whether any one else can except the indi- 
vidual himself. I haven’t seen him in a long time.” 
How long since he has been here ? ” 

Let me see : he hasn’t been in these parts this 
year. The last time was winter before last. He 
was here only a day or two, just long enough to 
dispose of his peltries, and lay in a supply of 
tobacco and ammunition, when he was off again. I 
expected him down last winter, but he failed to 
appear.” 

What do you suppose the reason to be ? Have 
no idea that he has collapsed^been killed, I mean ? ” 
I hardly suppose that, and yet it may be true 
after all. Sol is a most experienced Indian fighter 
and hunter, and after going through such a course 
of training as he has, it isn’t likely he’d go under at 
this time of life ; but then a trapper’s life is a hob- 
nob with Death, and though the latter must win at 
last, he does it sometimes sooner than is expected. 


2^ATHAl!^ TODD. 8$ 

However/’ added the trader, with a more cheerful 
air, '' I have little fear for Sol.” 

What reason then do you give for his absence 
when you expected him ? ” 

One reason is this : he traps somewhere up in 
Oregon, no one knows where, for he always goes 
alone. Since we Americans have got hold of Ore- 
gon, the emigrants have commenced coming in 
there, especially during the last few years. This 
has made the beavers somewhat scarcer, and Sol, 
like enough, did not secure sufficient furs to make 
him think it worth while to come down at the usual 
time. So he thought he would lie over for a sea- 
son.” 

Did you ever hear him say anything of the 
lovely girl that I have been speaking about ? ” 

'' Now that you have referred to it, it occurs to 
me that I have — /but only once, and that was the 
time of which Tom Langdon spoke. I distinctly 
remember his relating the incident, just as you say 
it was told you. It excited my curiosity somewhat, 
and I made several inquiries of Sol, as well as of 
others who have been in Oregon. But neither he 
nor any one else could give any additional informa- 
tion.” 

‘‘Do you suppose this lovely gal to be living?” 

“ I can only conjecture, which you can do your- 


86 


2fATHAN TODD, 


self. I should not despair of finding her alive and 
well until I received indubitable evidence that she 
was dead/’ 

I don’t suppose any one besides this Sol could 
give me any information which I seek ? ” 

"‘No; it is hardly probable. You see, it might 
be termed an accident by which he obtained his 
knowledge, and I doubt very much whether he 
could tell you any more than I have.” 

Nat was somewhat discouraged, but not en- 
tirely disheartened by what the trader told him. His 
first impulse was to start for Oregon at once; but 
second thought told him that such a course could 
avail nothing. By a singularly good fortune, he 
believed he had obtained a clue to what he sought ; 
and that patience and perseverance were only 
needed to follow it up to a successful termination. 
It was now early summer, and he concluded to re- 
main at the Fort until the arrival of Sol Jagzin, or 
until it was known that he would not make his ap- 
pearance. 

The time passed heavily to the ardent fellow. 
Day after day dragged by, and week after week, 
until several months were past. Still there were no 
signs of the hunter’s return. Several trappers made 
their appearance at intervals, and remaining a day 
or two, took their departure. Once or twice large 


2fATHA^ TODD, 87 

bodies of the Shoshone visited the store-house, and, 
bartering with the trader, rode away again. To- 
ward the middle of summer a distinguished Rus- 
sian traveler, accompanied by an American, re- 
mained several days at Brownes Hole. Nat made 
their acquaintance at once, and the time passed 
pleasantly during their stay. The three had several 
hunting and fishing expeditions together, and our 
hero was thrown into ecstasies when the American 
informed him that he was a friend of Relmond, and 
had met him in St. Lx)uis on his return from the 
Yellowstone. Besides this, Relmond and Imogene, 
having a faint hope that the traveler would chance 
to come across Nat, had dispatched their best wishes 
for his safety. Relmond, as before mentioned, had 
determined not to let Imogene know the true cause 
of Nat’s erratic expedition, for fear that it might 
awaken hopes which could only occasion the keener 
disappointment. 

After the departure of his two friends, Nat found 
time hang more heavily than ever upon his hands. 
He frequently spent days in rambling over the 
mountains, hunting the different game that so 
abounded. He wondered why the hunters should 
go to great distances to seek their prey when there 
was such an abundance at their doors. But no signs 


88 


NATHAN TODD. 


of beaver and otter were seen in proximity to the 
Fort. 

Finally the summer departed. Cold, blustering 
autumn made its appearance. The trader informed 
Nat that the trappers might be looked for every day. 
Indeed, the same week several came in. But no 
one brought tidings of Oregon Sol.’' 

A fortnight after this, when the Shoshones pitched 
their lodges around the Fort, and over thirty trap- 
pers and hunters were on the ground, Nat received 
notice that a great party would be held that evening, 
which, of course, it was expected he would attend. 
No refusal could be expected, and there was little 
danger of any being offered. 

At the appointed time they all assembled in the 
lodge which had been prepared expressly for the 
purpose. The oily lights disclosed a singular and 
characteristic scene. There were old, weather- 
beaten hunters, shaggy and scarred, lithe, graceful 
warriors, and maidens of all shades, from the dusky 
hue of the autumn-leaf to the pure Caucasian. All 
ages, from the mere youth to he man of three-score 
and ten were seen. Wives, husbands, brothers, sis- 
ters and lovers mingled together. There were a 
couple of professors ” on the violin, so that abun- 
dant music was furnished. All went into the sport 
as if they relished it. Some danced as finely as if 


NATHAN TODD. 


89 


made of Damascus steel; some bounced square up 
and down ; others shoved themselves around with a 
slow, solemn motion; while some shot hither and 
thither, like balls of India-rubber. 

Late in the night Nat found himself tete-d-tefe 
with a beautiful half-breed. While engaged in an 
earnest talk, she suddenly exclaimed: 

‘‘ Yonder is old Solomon, I declare ! 

Nat saw, at the opposite end of the room, a short, 
stumpy-looking fellow, clad in the garb of a trap- 
per, and around whom were congregated a number 
of both sexes. A moment later, the trader touched 
Nat on the shoulder and whispered : 

‘‘ That’s Oregon Sol. He is in an unusual good 
humor to-night. I spoke of you to him, and he says 
he will see you in the morning. Be frank and to 
the point with him, and I think you will have no 
difficulty in gaining all the information you wish.” 

It was near morning before the party broke up. 
In spite of the exciting expectation which Nat felt 
relating to Oregon Sol, it must be confessed he 
slept soundly until near the middle of the forenoon. 
As soon as he awoke, he repaired to the warehouse to 
see the trader. He found not only him, but Oregon 
Sol, who had just disposed of his furs, and secured 
his winter-stock of ammunition and stores. The 
trader introduced the two at once. We will not 


NATHAN TODD. 


90 

detail the tedious conversation to which Nat was 
compelled to submit before he obtained his informa- 
tion, but give the substance of what he learned. The 
old trapper was whimsical and eccentric, and it 
required the combined skill of the trader and Nat, 
before he divulged what little he knew. He stated, 
substantially, what Langdon had already given, 
pointing out only in addition the precise location 
of the place in the Blue Mountains at which he was 
visited by the lovely maiden,’^ and stating that 
the Indians belonged to the Cayuse tribe. The 
place where he was attacked was just above the 
canon of a stream which debouched into Lewis 
river. Nat, who possessed a thorough knowledge 
of the geography of the country, traced out the very 
stream on a map in the possession of the trader, and 
gained such an idea of the country as to make him 
confident of his ability to reach it alone; but he 
counted much on the assistance of the old, terrible- 
looking trapper. 

It was, then, with the sorest disappointment that 
he learned that Oregon Sol was not going to return 
again to Oregon. He had obtained information 
from a friendly Cayuse of a region literally swarm- 
ing with beaver and otter, to which the two were 
going in company. He would not disclose its loca- 
tion, save to say it was in an entirely different direc- 


liJATHAN TODD, 


91 


tion, and hundreds of miles from the Blue Moun- 
tains. Nat used every inducement at his command 
to get the trapper to change his intention, or at least 
to postpone it until another season; but it availed 
nothing. As a class, no men are more stubborn 
than those western, half-civilized rangers. If any 
there are, it is those from the Eastern States. 

‘‘ Jerusalem ! I'll go alone, and secure her if there 
are ten million enemies in the path ! " exclaimed a 
man belonging to the latter class. 


92 


NATHAN TODD. 


CHAPTER VI. 

IN WHICH A HAUL IS MADE CONTAINING M 
MYSTERIOUS LETTER. 

When a person comes to an unexpected resolu- 
tion, his first impulse is pretty sure to be to carry 
it out at once ; and undue haste is almost equally sure 
to characterize his movements. 

A half-hour subsequent to the exclamation re- 
corded in the last chapter, Nat Todd, well mounted 
and armed, was riding at a brisk canter toward the 
North. Brown’s Hole and its swarming population 
already were invisible behind the mighty cliffs that 
walled it in from the outer world. The trader, at 
first, opposed this erratic course, but was compelled 
to admit at last that it was the only one left to him. 
None of the trappers present in the Fort were going 
to the same section; and, as there were none who 
would consent to lose a season for the purpose of 
aiding in what could be of little profit or interest 


NATHAN TODD. 


93 

to themselves, it will be seen that the course of Nat 
was perhaps the best under the circumstances. 

He determined to follow the Oregon trail to 
Fort Hall, about two hundred miles distant, on 
Lewis river. Having thoroughly posted himself, 
during his stay at Brown’s Hole, on the difficulties 
of the journey, he apprehended no trouble, except 
it might be from the Blackfeet, whose war-parties 
often hovered around this highway. For something 
over a dozen miles he kept up the valley of the 
Sheetskadee, one of the most beautiful rivers in the 
Far West. The water of this river was clear as 
air, of uniform breadth, and in no place over three 
feet in depth. The mountains rose on either side 
to the height of a thousand feet above the level of 
the stream. He camped at night on the bank of this 
river, and at an early hour resumed his journey. 

Nat had taken the precaution of furnishing him- 
self with a goodly quantity of meat before starting, 
as the trader informed him that he was about to 
enter a desert, where the probabilities of obtaining 
food by the aid of his gun would be slight indeed. 
A few miles from his camping-place, he reached 
a point in the mountains through which the river 
wore its way in such a manner as to make a canon. 


94 


NATHAN TODD. 


and, for the distance of five miles, he was compelled 
to clamber over frightful precipices, along brinks of 
yawning caverns, and over paths not more than a 
foot in width, where there was nothing save the 
naked face of the rock to cling to, and where a 
single misstep would be instant destruction. But 
his Indian horse was as firm and sure-footed as the 
trained mules of the Andes. 

The day passed without affording him a glimpse 
of a single human being. The only s gns of animal 
life, besides himself and his horse, were a few 
croaking ravens and magpies that circled overhead 
and gave their dismal welcome to this desolate 
region. His camping-place afforded a view of the 
Anahuac Range, which stretched away in the direc- 
tion of the Great Salt Lake. He expected to 
encounter no white persons, unless it might be one 
or two trappers, as the season was one in which 
few, if any, emigrants braved the perils of the 
mountains. The next morning he continued his 
journey in a northern direction, over a sort of rolling 
plain of coarse, sandy gravel, upon which no sign 
of vegetation, save the forbidding wild wormwood, 
was observed. One or two miserable-looking prairie- 
wolves were espied in the course of the afternoon. 


l^ATHAN TODD, 


95 


They slunk alor^ the river-bottoms, giving vent, 
now and then, to a howl which echoed like a wail 
of death from cliff to cliff. As if to increase the 
gloom of this desert, a flock of famished ravens 
followed him for a long distance, chanting their dis- 
cordant notes and darkening the air with their 
funereal wings. 

On the afternoon of the fourth day, the adventurer 
struck Ham's Fork, a tributary of the Sheetskadee. 
At this season the river was quite shallow, but 
during the spring it is over two hundred feet in 
depth. 

His journey was a long and often tedious one; 
but there were many natural curiosities encountered, 
which sometimes served to interest him for a time. 
Among these were the remarkable Steamboat and 
Soda Springs, the Three Buttes, and the Valley 
of Chasms. 

He underwent much suffering from the scarcity 
of food, and upon several occasions his horse became 
so weakened as to be unable to carry him. Had he 
been aware of the formidable journey he had under- 
taken» his enthusiasm would have failed to carry 
him through. But on the tenth day he ascended a 
high ridge, which afforded him a view of the great 


g6 2JATHA1SI TODD. 

southern branch of the Columbia. Far to the 
northward, in the land of the Shoshone, could be 
seen the Three Buttes looming up in the sky, while 
to the southwest stretched a rugged chain of moun- 
tains. But, a more cheering sight than all, there 
was Fort Hall, nestling down in the plain, its white 
battlements glowing like burnished silver in the 
clear sunlight. 

In a couple of hours he drew rein in front of the 
Fort, shouting for those inside to come forth. 
Instantly an armed man made his appearance who 
gave him welcome. 

Got anything to eat ? asked Nat. ‘‘ Fm ter- 
ribly hungry. Do you think you've got enough 
to satisfy me ? '' 

The guard surveyed the strange comer with a 
quiet smile, and then replied: 

'‘If you doubt it, come in and try it. Come, 
come, man, don't sit there ; you're not serving your 
horse right." 

" That is true — nor myself either," answered Nat, 
hurrying within the gate. 

The hospitality offered him was the most genuine 
and hearty. His horse was well taken care of, and 
himself feasted like a prince. Within he found 


NATHAN TODD. 


97 

quite a collection of hunters and trappers. At the 
conclusion of his meal he arose and remarked : 

Gentlemen, if there is a man in this company 
who feels perfectly satisfied for the present, that 
man is Nat Todd.^' 

‘‘Nat Todd, did you say?’' questioned the man 
who had welcomed him to the Fort, as he arose and 
came toward him. 

“ The same, sir, at your service.” 

“ There is a letter here for Nathan Todd.” 

“ A letter for me ? ” he repeated, catching his 
breath, and feeling a sudden loathing of the food he 
had just swallowed. 

“ Yes, sir ; I will give it you in a minute. In fact, 
I believe we have two, if I am not mistaken.” 

“ My gracious ! who has written me letters ? 
Can’t be it’s the lovely maiden I’m looking for. She 
hain’t learned my address yet.” 

In a moment two letters were placed in his 
hand. One was plump and heavy, and a glance at 
the superscription showed Nat it was from his 
widowed mother. A mist floated before his eyes as 
he tremblingly broke the seal, and his heart fairly 
leaped while perusing it. It was a hopeful letter, 
such as an affectionate mother would write to the 


NATHAN TODD. 


98 

eldest of four grown-up sons, breathing prayerfully 
of his fate, and containing a few words from each of 
the children,'' and giving, as a part of the gossip, 
the fact his Alminy had married Bill Han- 
kins shortly after the departure of Nat for the 
West. 

‘'Just what I expected!" remarked Nat aloud. 
“ I might have known that, when she coaxed me so 
hard to go to California — though I was such a fool 
that I thought she did it out of pure, genuine love. 
Never mind; wait till I take this lovely maiden 
home that I am going to find up among the moun- 
tains. I'll show her candy she can't suck 1 " 

The letter closed with an earnest wish for Nat to 
come home. The farm was large enough to sup- 
port all, and the fond mother could not see the 
necessity for even one of her children leaving the 
dear old home. Nat folded up his letter, resolved 
to spend a day in answering it, and to promise to 
return home the next summer. 

He glanced at the next envelope, but failed to 
recognize the handwriting. The wonder with which 
he broke the seal was increased to literal amaze- 
ment when he read it. The contents were as 
follows : 


NATHAN TODD, 


99 

‘‘ To Nathan Todd : — Follow the trail to Burnt 
River, and then strike off to the northwest to the 
Blue Mountains. The one for whom you are look- 
ing is in the possession of the Cayuse tribe/’ 

« 

“Jerusalem! who wrote that letter?” he de- 
manded, looking around him. There was no signa- 
ture to it, nor anything besides his own name upon 
the envelope. 

“ Where did you get that letter ? ” he repeated, 
turning toward the friend who had welcomed him 
to the Fort. 

“ It was left here about two months since by a 
man who rode into the Fort, the same as you have, 
on horseback, and from the same direction.” 

“ What was his name ? ” 

“ He did not inform us.” 

“ What did he look like ? ” 

“ There was nothing about his appearance that 
seemed unusual that I am aware of. He remained 
over night. In the evening, he wrote that letter, 
and told me to hand it to you when you reached 
here, which he said would probably be in a month 
from that time.” 

“Why, it beat’s all! How did he know any*- 


lOO 


NATHAN TODD. 


thing of me, much less of the lovely maiden for 
whom I am searching? You do not know where he 
came from?^’ 

‘‘ From the States, I suppose, although I am not 
certain/' 

“ Know where he was going?" 

No, sir ; yet I suspect it was to California." 

‘‘ Tell me how he was dressed — ^how he looked." 

The man laughed outright, at Nat's eagerness. 

‘‘ Had I suspected this anxiety upon your part, I 
should have certainly made this mysterious person 
leave his name, at least, with us. He rode upon a 
coal-black pony — was dressed in such a manner as 
to show he was from more civilized regions than are 
found this side of the Mississippi. His hair was 
long and dark, his face clean shaven, with hand- 
some, regular features." 

Nat thought deeply upon what his friend had just 
related, but could bring up no remembrance of 
having ever seen a person who bore the slightest 
resemblance to the one just mentioned; and, since 
leaving the Yellowstone, he had met no horse similar 
to the one referred to. For a long time he thought 
of nothing else, and puzzled himself greatly to solve 
the riddle. He re-read the note a half-dozen times. 


NATHAN TODD. 


101 


and made his friend repeat the description nearly as 
often. He questioned three others who had seen the 
man, but none could add anything to what had 
already been told. At last, he was compelled to 
give up the hope of finding out who the unknown 
could be. The whole affair was a mystery. It was 
destined to remain so a long time to him. 

The afternoon was spent in writing home. He 
gave a whole account of his adventures, not omit- 
ting to state that he was in pursuit of a ‘‘ lovely 
maiden,’" as far superior to Alminy as the sun was 
to the moon; and hinting the probability of his 
making his appearance in Lubec the next season, 
with her as his bride. He closed with a glowing 
account of his health, which, under the invigorating 
climate of the Far West had become rugged and 
settled, and urging his mother to feel no anxiety 
upon his account. The letter finished, he handed 
it to his friend, who promised that it should be sent 
eastward as soon as opportunity offered. 

The entire night was passed by Nat in meditating 
upon the future. The advice of the note he held in 
his hand corresponded with that of Oregon Sol, and 
he had no doubts that both were correct; but he 
felt, at that moment, that he would give all he owned 
in the world if it would be the means of explaining 
the mystery of the letter. It was inexplicable. 


102 


NATHAN TODD, 


How a man whom he had never seen, and in a 
region which he had never visited, could know the 
object which brought him hither, was incomprehen- 
sible. 

‘‘ At any rate, I’ll go. ' Follow the trail to Burnt 
River,' it says, and then 'strike off to the Blue 
Mountains.' That course will take me to the very 
spot which Oregon Sol mentioned ; and then it says 
that the Cayuse tribe hold her. The same thing 
was stated by both, and of course must be true. It’s 
a long journey, but Nat Todd has not come all this 
distance to turn back at his place. No, sir! The 
trail which he has started upon must be followed to 
the end.” 

Nat remained at the Fort a couple of days in 
order to recruit himself and horse. He made the 
acquaintance of all those within it, but gained no 
additional knowledge of what most concerned him. 
Fort Hall was built in the year 1832, by a man from 
Boston, for the purpose of opening trade with the 
Indians in the vicinity. At this time the nearest 
post of the Hudson Bay Company was seven hun- 
dred miles distant, and he had little fear of competi- 
tion from them. But this wealthy firm, with its vast 
resources, soon forced him to leave. Fort Boise 
was instantly established on Reid river, and the 
British company sent out scores of their agents. 


NATHAN TODD. 


103 


who literally surrounded the unfortunate American, 
and by underselling him in everything, in a short 
time compelled him to break,’’ and sell out his 
Fort, at a great sacrifice, to the Hudson Bay Com- 
pany. The course of the latter body in this affair 
may strike the reader as dishonorable; but, if he 
will reflect a moment, he will see that nothing was 
done by them which is not practiced around us every 
day. It was but fair competition, and the American 
Fur Company, as well as many others, amply re- 
taliated in time. Long after Oregon fell into the 
hands of the Americans, the Hudson Bay Company 
claimed and held the right of trade within its ter- 
ritory. With a short-sightedness which is unac- 
countable, our Government allowed this claim, and 
to this day the British reap the benefit of it.* 

It was a pleasant morning in autumn when Nat 
Todd emerged from Fort Hall, and turned his face 
toward the northward. It would be tedious to the 


* The treaty of 1846, says : “ The possessory rights of the 
Hudson Bay Company, and of all British subjects who may be 
already in occupation of the land or other property lawfully ac- 
quired within said territory, shall be respected.” Gen. Harney 
maintained that the right of this company to exclusive trade on 
the Northwest Coast, expired in May, 1859, and took possession 
of one of their forts. The members of the British company left 
under protest, and it is but a short time since that the trouble 
was satisfactorily adjusted. 


104 


NATHAN TODD. 


reader were we to follow our hero step by step until 
he reached the Blue Mountains. His journey to 
Fort Boise was much the same as the one from 
Brown’s Hole. An hour’s ride brought him to the 
limit of vegetation. The earth became of a red, 
fiery color, covered here and there with shriveled 
cottonwoods and shrubs, and with barely sufficient 
grass to keep his animal from starving. He passed 
close to the celebrated ‘‘ Three Buttes.” These are 
pyramidal-shaped peaks, two thousand feet in height. 
Their tops were covered with glittering snow ; 
further down, small streams issue forth, and bands 
of vegetation encircle these peaks to the base, giv- 
ing, during the summer months, a most beautiful 
exhibition of the different zones of the earth. Eight 
days of constant terror from the roving Indians — 
of painful traveling over the knife-like stones — 
over black, barren swells — through a vast, untim- 
bered country — sometimes fording the river besides 
which the trail led — sometimes camping on the hard- 
baked earth — at others beside the softly rippling 
river — ^at times ready to give way to despair, and 
turn back — at others renewed by hope — eight days 
of such travel as this, and one afternoon a solitary 
horseman, scarcely resembling Nathan Todd, drew 
up in front of Fort Boise. 

A week’s stay at Fort Boise was sufficient to put 


NATHAlf TODD. 


105 

Nat and his beast in the best of spirits and con- 
dition. He found the hospitality of its inhabitants 
as genuine and cordial as those of the other posts, 
and left them with many expressions of regret. 

The country over which he now journeyed steadily 
improved in appearance. A short distance from the 
Fort, he came upon a number of springs whose 
waters were much better than those of the Steam- 
boat Spring. At night, he encamped upon the 
northern bank of the Malheur, a tributary of Lewis, 
which put in from the western side. The next day 
he continued still upon the Great Trail. Far to the 
west, in a parallel direction with his own, he could 
discern the peaks of the Blue Range, stretching far 
along the sky. At night he reached Burnt River, 
a stream as cold and limpid as a mountain-spring. 
It was at his point he was to ‘‘ strike off ’’ to the 
west. The night was a clear moonlight one, and he 
continued his journey a long time, until stopped by 
the wild character of the region. In the morning, 
an hour after starting, he reached a broad belt of 
prairie, stretching away to the very base of the 
mountains. Here his horse relapsed into a deliberate 
walk, while he fell into a deep and lasting reverie. 
This musing fit might have continued a long time 
had it not been interrupted by the sudden whiz of 
something before his eyes. 


io6 


ISIATHAN TODD. 


‘‘Hello! what’s that?^’ he exclaimed, looking 
around him. Just ahead he saw the barb of an 
arrow sticking out of the earth, and behind, scarcely 
a furlong distant, nearly a dozen Indiana running 
toward him with the speed of the wind ! 


NATHAN TODD. 


107 


CHAPTER VII. 

PROVING THAT IT IS NOT ALWAYS BEST TO LOOK 
BEFORE YOU LEAP. 

One glance was enough for our hero to see that 
discretion was the better part of valor. One loud 
yell, and his horse, with a wild snort, sprung for- 
ward like a racer. The flaunting apparel of the 
savage seemed to alarm the latter as much as his 
rider, and he needed no urging to flee. The Indians 
discharged another flight of arrows, and giving 
vent to their chilling war-whoop, sprung with re- 
newed speed after the fugitive. 

Blazes ! I think this is a mean trick ! ’’ 
muttered Nat, glancing furtively over his shoulder. 
“ I should like to know what they’ve got against 
me and my hoss. Never mind, they’ve got to dig 
gravel fast to overtake me in this race.” 

The speed with which the Indians ran was 
wonderful, but it could not be expected that it 


I 08 NATHAN TODD. 

should match with that of the horse. He was a 
noble animal, and skimmed over the ground with 
great velocity. The distance between the pursuer 
and pursued so rapidly lengthened, that the latter 
began to hope the race would be shortly resigned by, 
those who held it at such disadvantage. Alread}^ 
beyond the reach of the strongest bow, it was with a 
peculiar relief that he observed the savages had no 
firearms. He was in a region seldom visited by the 
whites, and where, from all appearances, the red- 
men were determined such a state of affairs should 
continue as long as possible. 

The trepidation with which this race of life and 
death was commenced by Nat Todd, all at once 
became terror, when he saw that the prairie over 
which he was flying terminated a mile or two ahead. 
At that point the ground assumed an uneven, rocky 
character, which increased until it was literally 
composed of gorges, caverns and precipices ! 
Through these it was impossible to force his animal 
at a faster gait than a common walk. 

‘‘ By gracious ! things begin to look squally ! 
Come, boss, you must go it while you can.’’ 

If it were late in the day, Nat would have had 
more hope; but it was early in the forenoon, and 


NATHAN TODD, 


109 

the relentless savages had a long time in which to 
secure their victim. 

When the latter reached the end of the small 
prairie, he sprung from the saddle, and, giving his 
horse free rein, plunged in among the rocks to keep 
up his flight on foot. He indulged in one fearful 
glance behind him, and saw his pursuers a third of 
a mile distant, shouting and gesticulating furiously, 
as they deemed he was as well as secured. 

‘‘ The more haste the less speed,’’ is an adage 
whose force was never so distinctly shown as in the 
present case. Nat’s only thought was a wild desire 
to go ahead, and he scarcely heeded the means by 
which this was to be gained. He plunged madly 
around rocks, pitching headlong into unseen hollows 
and stumbling over boulders, and all the time it 
seemed to his tormented brain that he was absolutely 
gaining no ground at all. In the midst of his flight, 
he unexpectedly found himself between two huge 
rocks that rose far above him and extended quite a 
distance in front, gradually narrowing until the 
opening at the opposite end seemed hardly large 
enough to admit the passage of his body. He 
deemed it would be too great a loss of time to turn 
back and run around, and determined to take a start 


no 


:^ATHAN TODD. 


and make his body go through. Stepping back a 
foot or so, he drew in a deep breath and ran with all 
his mig^t. As he felt his arms brushing the rocks, 
he concentrated his strength and made one desperate, 
frenzied leap, intending to pass clean through. The 
consequence was, he found himself immovably 
wedged in between the walls ! 

“ Fast, as sure as I live ! ’’ he gasped, endeavoring 
to force himself out again. But it was of no use; 
the force with which he had driven himself forward 
was so great that no strength of his could extricate 
him. He kicked and twisted, and tried to push the 
rocks a little further apart, but it was unavailing. 

Oh ! I’m lost ! ” he mourned. The Indians 
will be here in a minute and have my scalp. That 
derned old Irene is the cause of this. It it hadn’t 
been for her I wouldn’t have been here. I'll kill 
her if I ever see her ! ” 

Nat’s words are perhaps excusable when we con- 
sider his circumstances. The fair lost-one was cer- 
tainly the primary cause of his getting into the 
present difficulty, although, of course, entirely blame- 
less. 

He was compelled, at last, to cease his exhaustive 
efforts and listen. He expected, every moment, to 


2fATEAN TODD. 


Ill 


see the forms of a dozen infuriated Indians rush 
upon him, or hear the twang of their bows as their 
arrows were aimed at his devoted head. But, as 
minute after minute passed away, and he heard no 
signs of them, a faint hope that they had lost all 
scent of him began to animate him, and he renewed 
his efforts to extricate himself. By exhausting his 
breath and doubling his efforts, he suddenly found, 
to his inexpressible joy, that he was free and on his 
feet once mere. 

Our hero now committed a blunder for which 
there was certainly no excuse. The result of his 
former haste should have been heeded. In the rocks 
around him there were plenty of places in which he 
could have concealed himself, where even the basilisk 
orb of an American Indian would have failed to de- 
tect his presence. He committed a blunder, we say ; 
and yet, in the end, as is often the case, it proved one 
of the happiest efforts of his life. As no one could 
have suspected the singular termination, its short- 
sightedness was none the less. 

He emerged cautiously from the rocks, and gazed 
about him. There were no signs of his pursuers; 
and, supposing they had been deceived, he deter- 
mined to continue his flight toward the mountains. 


II2 


TODD. 


He crept stealthily along a short distance, when he 
descried, a few rods ahead, and directly in his path, 
a huge gorge, too broad to leap, and extending, 
apparently, for miles to his right and left. 

While debating how this new difficulty should be 
gotten over, two arrows shattered their heads upon 
the rock beside him, and an exulting whoop showed 
he was discovered. He glanced back and saw the 
forms of his enemies springing from rock to rock, 
and dodging in every imaginable manner to avoid 
his own shot. Retreat was impossible, as they 
were spreading themselves out like a fan so as to 
encompass him in his present position. 

Do or die, and the Lord help me ! ’’ he exclaimed, 
compressing his lips and preparing for the final 
effort. 

It was a deed no sane man would have attempted 
or succeeded in. But terror — an absolute horror of 
falling into the Indians’ hands — accomplished it. 
Drawing in his breath, Nat made several bounds 
forward, and as his foot reached the edge of the 
precipice, sprung out with superhuman strength! 
For an instant, his crouching form was seen in mid- 
air, and then disappeared! But he had succeeded 
in striking the opposite side, and, half-stunned by 


NATHAN TODD, 


II3 

the concussion, clambered to his feet and limped 
away. 

The Indians paused in amazement at seeing the 
white man’s wonderful leap. As he was lost to 
sight, they rushed forward expecting to see his 
mangled body far down the dreadful abyss. Reach- 
ing the edge, they caught a glimpse of him, several 
rods in advance, turning the corner of a projecting 
ledge. Their astonishment was unbounded, and 
they believed him to be a supernatural being. Not 
one of their number had the temerity to attempt the 
same feat. 

A cold sweat broke out u^on him as he realized 
he had cleared the frightful chasm, and his feeling 
of terror changed instantly to uncontrollable hatred 
of the savages, that thfy had forced him to such a 
desperate effort for life. He was so much bruised 
by the shock as to be barely able to limp behind the 
ledge alluded to. Here he sunk down, not even able 
to walk further. He peered cautiously around the 
corner of the rock, and saw his enemies standing in 
full view, talking and gesticulating as though 
engaged in some earnest argument. He examined 
the lock of his rifle, and, seeing that it still remained 
unharmed, brought it to his shoulder and pointed 
it toward the group. But the e^Aaustion of his 
system was so great as to throw his %hole body into 


2^ AT HAN TODD, 


II4 

such a tremor as to make him unable to draw sight 
on a single one. Failing in this, he lay flat on his 
face, and, resting it on the rock, aimed at the center 
of the group and fired. 

There's one imp rubbed out, curse him ! " he 
muttered, as he saw a reeling savage caught in the 
arms of his companions and borne away. 

By the time he managed to reload, not an Indian 
was visible. A bomb-shell could not have scattered 
them more effectually. Now was the time for him 
to continue his flight; but, besides being crippled, 
as stated, he felt an obstinate determination to make 
the Indians suffer for what they had done. 

To understand the events which follow, it is 
necessary that we should digress for a moment, and 
explain more particularly our hero's situation. 

The chasm which separated him from the Indians 
was one of those immense cracks or yawns which 
are often seen in the Far West, that were made at 
some remote age by an earthquake. He had leaped 
it at the narrowest spot, so that it was impossible for 
his enemies to reach him unless they used some 
artificial means to cross, or should go round it. It 
was not likely the latter course would be taken, as it 
would involve too great a loss of time; and Nat, 
accordingly, prepared to guard against the former 
stratagem. 


l^ATHAN TODD. 


II5 


For a half-hour not a sign of an Indian was seen. 
At the end of that time a branch fluttered for an 
instant in the air and then disappeared. He rose to 
his feet, and, looking carefully toward the suspicious 
point, finally detected a shaven head, the body of 
which was concealed. It was at a point lower down 
than the one where they were last seen ; and before 
he could cover it with his aim, it was withdrawn. 
Still watching the same point, he soon noticed a 
piece of rock projecting, like the leaf of a table, 
from the opposite side. A closer scrutiny revealed 
the alarming fact that it was gradually crossing the 
chasm. It apparently moved without human aid, 
but no second thought was necessary to reveal the 
agents at work. Nat was satisfied that before they 
could accomplish anything they would be compelled 
to show themselves, when he determined to lodge a 
bullet somewhere among them. Feeling little fear 
from their arrows, he ascended the top of the rock, 
where he could have a view of their operations. 
His trepidation had given way to a settled calmness, 
and he seemed now to possess the most genuine 
courage. He vowed that, before the savages should 
cross the chasm, some of them should go to the 
bottom. 

He sat in this position a few moments, without 
detecting any further movements of the ridge of 


Il6 NATHAN TODD, 

rock, when it occurred to him that his foes might be 
extending operations in another direction. It was 
well he took a second glance; for, as it was, it had 
well-nigh been his last. To his left were three 
Indians, and the very instant he turned toward 
them, the foremost had his arrow drawn to the 
head and pointed directly at Nat. As quick as 
thought, the latter turned a back-summerset, land- 
ing on the rock below in a manner more expeditious 
than dignified, while the arrow glanced over him and 
shot away in the air with deadly velocity. 

Nat now saw that he was to be assailed at two 
points, and all his efforts must be turned against 
these. After watching their movements a while, he 
found the same artifice was to be adopted by both 
parties. Each was to force a huge, tabular rock 
far enough across the gorge to allow them to leap 
across. There was no timber of any size in the 
vicinity, but the cunning of the rascals was sufficient 
for everything. Ponderous boulders were in readi- 
ness to roll upon the end, and preserve the rocks in 
their places while the miscreants passed over. 

In spite of our hero’s most vigilant efforts, the 
savages succeeded in pushing these partial bridges 
far enough to answer their purposes, without afford- 
ing him a chance to pick off one of their number. 
By means of bushes, and by keeping themselves 


2iIATHA:t^ TODD. 


117 

behind the boulders they were rolling, they placed 
it out of his power to harm a single one. The point 
was now reached which was to decide the contest. 
All that remained was for the Indians to cross. 

The fatal shot of Nat had the effect of thoroughly 
alarming the rest, and there was not one who dared 
expose himself to his aim. They now endeavored, 
by every artifice in their power, to draw a shot from 
him, their intention being to rush across before he 
could have time to reload. The adventurer under- 
stood this, and made his resolution to reserve his 
fire until the last moment, not using it until he was 
compelled to. 

Now and then a bronzed head would rise to view 
and then flit out of sight again; and one or two, 
bolder than the rest, sprung to their feet, brandish- 
ing their tomahawks over their heads, and leaping 
about so as to distract his aim. Once a dark ball, 
surmounted by a gaudy tuft, remained in plain sight 
several minutes, as if inviting a shot; but Nat was 
too shrewd to imagine that any real savage would 
expose his skull in such a manner. He preserved 
his silence with a provoking coolness. 

At last an Indian sprung up and essayed to run 
out upon the lid of rock, but dropped quickly behind 
one of the boulders. This stratagem well-nigh 
brought the wished-for shot from our hero. His 


ii8 


l^ATHA^ TODD, 


finger was pressing the trigger when the savage 
whisked out of sight. 

A moment after, the same thing took place above 
him, and was repeated at both places several times. 
The game, at this point, assumed an exciting 
character. Nat knew it was the easiest thing in the 
world for these redskins to leap across, and he 
believed they intended to do it whether he fired or 
not. The only trouble with them was that each 
knew it would be instant death to one of them ; and 
these demonstrations were continued, each one hop- 
ing his friend would commit suicide for the benefit 
of his race. 

He watched the visages of both, until he saw one 
assume an air of determination. This Indian had 
resolved to make the attempt. But he was not given 
the opportunity. While rising in the very act of 
starting, he gave a frenzied yell and leap in the air, 
pierced through the breast by the bullet of Nat 
Todd. 

A loud howl rent the air, and the forms of five 
dusky redskins rose in view. The foremost, with- 
out hesitation, ran out on the edge of the rock and 
made a bound outward; but, while in mid-air, he 
gave a death-shriek, and, doubling up like a ball, 
went spinning down the chasm. 

The others paused in astonishment at this second 


119-120 





“ His finger was pressing the trigger when the savage whisked 
out of sight.” 


1 


\rv. .V 


"r'7 




f 



\. 


V 




/ 


V ' r 


I 


( 


i 




t3^ 






NATHAN TODD. 


121 


shot, while Nat hurriedly reloaded his rifle. Scarce 
a moment elapsed before he fired the second time 
among them, and his own shot was echoed by that 
of another from an unknown quarter, and two 
savages bit the ground at the same instant. This 
was too much for the Indians, who really believed 
the Evil Spirit was upon the opposite side of the 
gorge, and they scattered and fled as if he pursued 
them. 

The consternation of these savages was no greater 
than the amazement of Nat Todd at such an 
unlooked-for assistance. Two fatal shots besides his 
own had been fired, and they had saved him. 

When I pulled the trigger the first time, I asked 
the Lord to preserve me. He has done it, and I 
thank him for it ! ’’ said he, reverently. Still some 
human hand has been used to do it, and he must be 
around; so Fll hunt him up/’ 

This was easier said than done. He spent a long 
time limping around the rocks, and searching for his 
unknown friend. But it was of no avail, and at last 
he shouted: 

‘‘ Hello, whoever you are ! Come out and show 
yourself. It’s Nat Todd you’ve befriended, and he 
wants to see you ! ” 

A suppressed laugh reached his ear. Wheeling 
around, he saw a large, powerful-looking man. 


122 


2^ AT HAN TODD, 


dressed in the garb of a trapper, leaning on a long 
rifle, and leisurely surveying him. 

Je-ru-sa-lem ! if there ain't Bill Biddon then my 
name isn't Nat Todd ! " 


NATHA2f TODD. 




CHAPTER VIII. 

IN WHICH THE NARRATIVE MAKES BUT SLIGHT 
PROGRESS. 

How ar’ yer, Nat ? queried Biddon, extending 
his huge hand toward our hero. 

“Why, well, and nearly crazy with joy at seeing 
you here agin. What brought you out in this part 
of the world ? 

“ What brought yerself ? I s’pose we've both got 
a little story to tell, and so let's jis git under cover 
somewhar and have a powerful talk. No fear of 
the reds now,” added the trapper, with a chuckle, 
as he moved away. 

It cost Nat considerable pain to keep pace with 
him, and he was compelled, at last, to cry out for 
him to walk more slowly. 

“What's the matter?” queried the trapper, lum- 
ing toward him. “They didn't git none ji them 
arrers in yer, did they ? ” 

“ No; I took a pretty long jump and got bruised 
somewhat. I wasn't much afeared of their arrows.” 


124 


:t^ATHAl!^ TODD, 


'‘You wasn’t, eh?” asked Bill Bidden, as he 
picked up the one which had been discharged at 
Nat. "Wasn’t much afeared of ’em, eh? Do you 
see that reddish stuff on the p’int of this arrer-head ? 
Wal, sir, ef that had pricked yer skin, you’d a 
swelled up like a grizzly, and at last busted. Coz 
why? It’s the rankest of pizen. Shoot the imps! 
I know thar tricks.” 

The trapper led the way some distance further, 
when he halted before what seemed the face of a 
solid rock. He turned around, carefully scrutinizing 
every rock and bush visible ; when, apparently 
satisfied, he passed a few feet further, then made a 
short turn and suddenly disappeared, leaving Nat in 
the most unbounded astonishment. 

" Come in, come in 1 ” said the gruff voice of 
Biddon, sounding from the cavernous recess of the 
rock. " Come in, come in, or one of them pizened 
arrers might hit you.” 

" Yes, yes,” repeated Nat, with an involuntary 
start, for, strange as it may seem, the presence of the 
formidable trapper made him less courageous than 
when alone. " Yes, yes ; but how is the thing to be 
done?” 

The face of his companion now appeared at a small 
opening, and he noticed, for the first time, a peculiar 
longitudinal aperture, through which it seemed im- 


l^ATHAN TODD. 


125 


possible to force a human body. When attempted, 
however, it proved an easy matter. He found him- 
self standing within a small, narrow cavern, lighted 
by the openings at either end. Beaver and otter- 
skins were hung around, and the apartment looked 
very comfortable. 

‘‘Is this your lodging-place?’’ asked Nat. 

“ Yas, sir ; this is the place where Oregon Sol has 
slept for a long time ; but he’s give up the business 
in these parts, and offered me his house to rent.” 

“ Oregon Sol ! Do you know him ? ” 

“ Wagh ! Does we know each other ? Me and 
him war born in the same house in Boonslick County, 
Missouri, on the same night, and growed up aside 
of each other for a dozen years, fightin’ and 
quarrelin’ as much as if we war brothers. We hadn’t 
either of us any brothers or sisters, and Sol’s parents 
(as they call ’em) went under as soon as he learnt 
to go on his pegs. Purty soon mine did the same, 
and we jined and went with a lot of trappers, and 
have been knocking ’round the ’arth ever since. Kit 
Carson was born in the same place, the year after us, 
but, in course, he was a little shaver when we left. 
But, shoot me, I’m talking too much. Know any- 
thing ’bout Jarsey and the gal he was after? Did 
they git off, or what’s ’come of ’em ? ” 

“ I saw them get on a steamboat on the Yellow^ 


126 


2fATEAl^ TODD. 


stone, and I suppose they are somewhere in the 
States, married, and enjoying themselves as much as 
possible. That puts me in mind of the message they 
both left for you. He and Imogene told me, if I 
ever came across you, to give their undying love to 
you, and to ask you to go down in their parts and 
live with ’em.’^ 

‘'Jarsey kinder walked into my affections, and I 
should like to shake the feller’s paw agin ; and that 
little Imogene, (bless her, if I don’t half think she’s 
a sperit yet,) I’d go a long tramp to see her give me 
one of her purty grins. But I never spect to see ’em 
agin. I can’t bear the clearins’, and I spect Jarsey 
has got me in some thar books or newspapers down 
thar. I’d kinder like to see how Bill Biddon would 
look in a book, and see some thar picters of ’im. 
Jarsey told me he was goin’ to do it, and I s’pose the 
feller has. How comes it that you’re here ? ” 
Well, Biddon, you remember there were two 
girls who escaped that massacre at which you were 
present some years ago.” 

Yas.” 

‘‘ Well, you know Relmond has gone off with one 
of these.” 

‘‘ Yas, I know it.” 

** And the other has never been found.” 

No, I b’lieve not.” 


2^ AT HAN TODD, 


12y 


‘‘And that she may still be living.” 

“ PV^aps so.” 

“ At any rate, there is as much reason to believe 
she is as there was to believe Imogene was before 
she was seen.” 

“ Yas, shoot me if that ain't so.” 

“ Well, Imogene told me, before going East, that 
she always believed that Irene, her sister, and a 
lovely maiden, was captured by Indians, who went 
toward Oregon with her.” 

“What of that?” 

“ Well, Oregon Sol, who was down at Brown's 
Hole when I left there, told me that a year or two 
ago he saw a captive white girl up in these moun- 
tains. Don't you think there is some reason to 
believe that that captive is Irene Merment ? ” 

“ Yes, sir!” 

“ That is the reason I am here. I am looking for 
her.” 

“ You said the other gal b'lieved the other one 
was taken by reds as b'longed to these parts ? ” 

“ She often remarked that to me.” 

“ Wal, sir, she was right! ” 

“ She was right ! How do you know that, 
Biddon?” 

“ Bill Biddon hain’t tramped the prairies for thirty 
years for nothin'. Ef he can’t tell whar a red be- 


128 


NATHAN TODD. 


longs, even ef it is night when he sees him, then you 
may shoot me. When them reds came down on us 
that night, I knowed they war from three different 
tribes, and knowed one of these tribes belonged to 
Oregon, and Fve long s’picioned the gal was taken 
by the Oregon ones. But it allers seemed to me 
she war gone under long ago. She war more tender 
nor Jarsey’s, and didn’t seem built right to stand the 
weather. You say old Sol told you he’d see’d such 
a gal in these parts once ? ” 

Yes.” 

Wal, he told me the same thing, and that’s one 
reason why Fm here. Howsumever, afore going 
further, let’s hear the news ’bout yourself, beginnin’ 
with the time when you give us the slip on the 
Yellowstone.” 

Nat thereupon related what the reader has 
probably learned in another volume, and at its close 
asked : 

Now, Biddon, let me hear the particulars of your 
history.” 

I hain’t got much to tell. I s’pose Jarsey told 
you ’bout me up to the pint whar I went off with 
the brigade? ” 

Yes, he related that.” 

'' Wal, I went up to the Selkirk settlement with 
them fellers, and they give me a rousin’ pile of money 


IIATHAISI TODD. 


129 


and trinkets for the furs I got "em, and then very 
perlitely told me my name was down on thar books, 
and I was appinted to go to one of thar forts called 
Illycross, * ’bout fifteen thousand miles further north, 
whar I was to trap for seventy-five or eighty years, 
and they’d give me another pile of money. Wagh ! 
I told ’em, jist as perlitely, they might go to the 
devil, and slingin’ my gun over my shoulder, I 
stepped down to Oregon and called on Sol, who told 
me ’bout that gal, and I’ve stayed hyer lookin’ round 
for her ever since.” 

‘‘Have you learned anything of her?” eagerly 
asked Nat. 

“ Yes, summat. Them Injins as come so near 
wipin’ you out. I’m purty sure have got her, and I 
shouldn’t wonder ef that’s the reason why they’re so 
afeared any of the boys should come round hyer. 
They smoked Sol out, and he advised me not to stay 
here; but I’s bound to find out all ’bout that gal. 
Do you know how many of the reds war chasin’ 
you?” 

“ About a dozen, I believe,” replied Nat. 

“ There war jist eight, and one rifle would 
scatter every one.” 

Nat winced under this rebuke of the trapper, but 
with a cunning shrewdness replied: 

♦ Fort Isle a la Crosse, a post in the Northern Department. 


130 


NATHAN TODD. 


You see, the way of it was this:^^ (here the 
speaker placed the forefinger of his right hand very 
impressively in the palm of his left;) ‘‘I hate 
Indians, especially them that hate me, which I be- 
lieve include all west of the Mississippi, and when 
these eight rascals started after me, I made up my 
mind to shoot every one. Accordingly I run, so as 
to make them follow me, of course. I just stepped 
over that gorge, hoping they’d all try to follow me 
and break their necks. But they wouldn’t do it, 
and so I commenced picking them off, intending not 
to spare a single one! You see I entrapped them. 
You came along and helped me, for which I’m much 
obliged.” 

A broad smile illumined the trapper’s visage, as 
our hero ended his remarks. 

Shoot me, Nat, you’re a qua’r beaver. I used 
to think you’s af eared of redskins, and I kinder think 
so yit. But when a feller would expect you to own 
up squa’r and knock under, you’re sure to give some 
reason that nobody ever thought on. Howsumever, 
I’ve taken a like for yer, Nat, and I offers you a 
grip of my paw. When Bill Biddon does that he 
means it, and he’s your friend as long as his top-knot 
is on his noddle.” 

The two grasped hands, and sealed forever the 
friendship they had long entertained for each other. 


^ATHA2^ TODD. 


I3I 

“ Bill/’ said Nat, '' down at Fort Hall this letter 
was given me. Since seeing you, Fve thought per- 
haps you wrote it.” 

Let me see it.” 

The trapper took the letter and fumbled it awk- 
wardly, and examined the writing with a curiosity 
similar to that with which a scholar would scrutinize 
some unknown hieroglyphic. 

Ar them what you call letters? ” he asked, put- 
ting his finger on them. 

Certainly ; can’t you write, Biddon ? ” 

“Me write! Wagh! Them crooked things 
looks like mashed bugs to me, and allers did. Me 
and Oregon Sol went to school one day down in 
Missouri, but the teacher wasn’t there, and we hadn’t 
no books, so you see our edication was limited, as 
they say down in the settlements. I can’t see how 
them jiggers can speak, but I s’pose they does. Jist 
read ’em.” 

Nat did so, when the contents instantly absorbed 
the attention of Biddon. A long consultation was 
held between the two, in which the latter stated that 
he had been in his present retreat but a few weeks ; 
but from “ signs,” he was well satisfied that the 
Indians had a prisoner among them, of whom they 
were extremely jealous. They decided to remain 
in their present quarters as long as they could hold 


132 


21 AT HAN TODD. 


them, or until definite knowledge of the lost-one was 
obtained. The authorship of the letter was as great 
a mystery as ever. Biddon said, from what Oregon 
Sol had told him, he believed- there were persons 
at the different forts who knew of the strange 
captive, and who had conveyed their intelligence 
to Nat either to mislead or to guide him — most 
probably the latter. Who that person could be, or 
how he learnt the name of our hero, neither could 
divine. 

But Sol stated that it was near the canon of some 
river,’' remarked Nat. 

‘‘ Jist keep still a minute.” 

As the two listened, a dull roaring, like the distant 
roll of the sea, was heard. 

What does that mean?” queried Nat. 

That’s your kenyon.” * 

We are then in the vicinity to which Oregon Sol 
directed me. It is now rather late in the afternoon. 
Shall we show ourselves agin to-day ? ” 

I will crawl out pretty soon and take observa- 

* A canon is a narrow, tunnel-like passage, through which a 
river forces its way. Compressed within these walls, so close in 
some places as to be easily leaped over, the water rushes with 
inconceivable velocity. When viewed from the top, the river 
often presents the appearance of one mass of foam and whirl- 
pools, from which the mist ascends as if from a vast waterfall. 


AT HAN TODD. 


133 


tions. That jump of yours — which I allow was 
some — ’pears to have lamed you a little, and I s’pose 
you’ll want to rest your bones.” 

‘‘ Yes, I shouldn’t mind it. If you’re going out, 
keep a sharp eye for the infernal rascals.” 

“ Wagh ! don’t be afeared of Bill Biddon. I was 
out lookin’ at the weather when I heard your rifle 
crack, and I knowed thar war whites ’bout, and like 
enough in difflculty with the reds, so I crawled 
around and soon see’d how things stood. In course 
I didn’t know ’twas you, but I made up my mind to 
give ’em a taste of Bill Biddon, thinkin’ as how they 
might be pryin’ round after my traps, if I didn’t 
scare ’em a little.” 

‘‘ Do you think you’ve given them such a fright 
that they will not disturb you again ? ” 

‘‘ Wagh ! wagh ! I give ’em a powerful scare, wal, 
I did; but I’m afeared it won’t last long. They 
thought awhile ago they’d come across the Old Boy 
himself, but after they’ve talked over the matter, in 
course they’ll know who it war, and I shouldn’t 
wonder ef they burn us or root us out.” 

“ What was it they did to frighten Oregon Sol 
away ? ” 

He wasn’t exactly frightened away. Ef he had 
wanted to stay, he’d done it, sure, in spite of ’em. 
Wal, thar ! they piled a whole lot of brush in front 


134 


NATHAN TODD. 


of him, and smoked him out. He stood it as long 
as he could, when he blazed among ’em, and settin’ 
up a yell, tore right through the whole pack, smashin’ 
a dozen heads, jist to leave his mark among ’em. 
The rest took after, yellin’ and screechin’ like mad, 
and for a time thar war some fun. But Sol knows 
how to use his pegs, and it didn’t bother him at all 
to give ’em the slip. He had trapped so long hyer 
that beavers were gettin’ scarce, and some redskin, 
that he’d took a like to, told him of a great place, 
where I s’pose he’s gone by this time.” 

‘‘ But he saw this lovely maiden but once, and it 
was in another place.” 

Yas, jist so; it was in another place he see’d her, 
but not fur off, and it war the same imps that are 
round hyer. They travel round like turkles with 
thar packs on thar backs. I met Sol down toward 
Fort Hall, and after bearin’ of his story, I made up 
my mind to come hyer.” 

'' But Jerusalem ! ain’t you running an awful 
risk.” 

‘‘Yer afeared?^' 

No — oh, no! but then I’s thinkin’ — ^you know — 
that — that you run the risk.” 

Don’t you see the reds see’d Sol leave, and as he 
war the only feller as has been in these parts for a 
long time, ’twan’t noways likely they’d spect another 


:NATHA2^ TODD, 


135 


chap right off to step into his tracks, and ’tain’t 
likely they’d ever found it out ef Fd kept shady and 
let ’em wipe you out.” 

Shortly after this, Bidden went out. 


136 


NATHAN TODD. 


CHAPTER IX. 

IN WHICH THERE IS A HOUSEWARMING, A VISION 
AND A FLIGHT. 

It was dark when Biddon returned, and, after 
several minutes’ unimportant conversation, the two 
lay down to rest. In the morning Nat found him- 
self unable to walk, owing to the bruises mentioned ; 
but they were not of dangerous character, and in a 
few days he was restored to his usual condition. 
The trapper continued to engage in his vocation, 
more for the purpose of supplying the two with 
food, and for passing away time, than for anything 
else. 

In the meantime the approach of winter was 
rapid. The weather, in the course of a week, set in 
with most intense coldness, and the streams freezing 
over seriously impeded the success of the trapper. 
He had, however, laid aside enough to supply all 
necessary food through the winter; and, all things 
considered, their situation was by no means un- 
enviable. 


AT HAN TODD. 


137 


One thing was a matter of surprise to both. Not 
a sign of an Indian was seen, and Biddon more than 
once stated that he believed the tribe had gone into 
winter-quarters in some other section. Nat proposed 
that they should follow them, but the trapper re- 
marked that it might be only a stratagem to deceive 
them. The Indian village was several miles away, 
in a sort of valley or depression in the mountains. 
A winter, such as in our more temperate sections is 
rarely witnessed, was approaching, and the advice of 
Biddon that they should ‘‘ keep out of sight and 
make themselves comfortable,’’ was perhaps the 
wisest that could be followed under the circum- 
stances. 

The winter, as may well be supposed, was most 
tedious to the two adventurers. Sometimes the 
snow was whirled in blinding eddies through the 
gorges, and, for a month, lay several feet in depth, 
and the walls of their cavern-home, were as if made 
of solid ice; but their abundance of furs, and the 
fuel with which the ingenuity of the trapper supplied 
them, was sufficient for all purposes. Sometimes 
the burly form of the latter might be seen on the 
margin of the frozen streams, cautiously searching 
for beaver-signs, or setting his traps for the foxes 
that lurked around them. On several occasions, Nat 
and Biddon ventured out upon these excursions dur- 


138 


2^ATHA2J TODD. 


ing mcx>nlight nights, when the crusted snow sus- 
tained their weight without leaving a trail. Their 
footsteps echoed with a noise that, in the intense 
stillness, could be heard at a great distance; while, 
now and then, the long, dismal howl of the droves 
of famished wolves pierced the night-air with a chill- 
ing power. During the long nights, Biddon often 
whiled away the hours in relating reminiscences of 
his wonderful career, while, in turn, Nat gave many 
of his own adventures in Lubec, including his 
love-affair, already familiar to the reader. Not an 
Indian trail, through all the long, dreary winter, was 
discovered by the trapper, and they remained un- 
molested by man or animal. Nat was often startled 
when he reflected upon his temerity in thus ventur- 
ing into the mountains alone. He had not the 
remotest suspicion of ever encountering Biddon 
again, and had he been left without a companion, 
he would either have had to perish by starvation or 
cold, or thrown himself upon the hospitality of the 
savages, where it is not to be expected he would have 
fared any better. 

But, at last, the winter wore away, and beautiful, 
radiant spring dawned upon them. The mountains 
echoed with the sound of a thousand rills and 
streams, the rivers burst their icy barriers with a 
shock like the noise of thunder, and vegetation 


l^ATHAN TODD. 


139 


Sprung forth as if by magic. So sudden was the 
change that, as Nat stepped forth from the cave, 
one clear morning, it seemed as if he were in a 
lane of enchantment. 

The time had now come for action. The warm, 
genial climate, unsurpassed by any in the world, the 
exuberant foliage, all were favorable. Biddon re- 
turned, one evening, to the cave, from a sort of 
scouting expedition with which he had occupied 
himself during the day. 

'‘What have you learned?'' asked Nat, as he 
noticed a peculiar expression upon the trapper's 
face. 

" Wal, I have learnt a little, but s'picioned a 
heap." 

" What is it? Let me know." 

" I's out around takin' observations, as them 
fellers from the settlements say, this afternoon, 
when I come onto the In jin village. It's down in 
a valley, and it's my opine they've jist arrove, 'cause 
why : I've been along there in the winter and didn't 
see a single lodge. They've wintered further up 
the mountains and have jist came back." 

“ Do you suppose they know we are here ? " 

“ I guess they ain't sure, but they s'picion it." 

Why do you think so? " 

** I have come across a dozen trails, and b’lieve 


140 


NATHAN TODD, 


they're huntin' fur signs of us. Ef they happen to 
find one of my traps, it'll be all they want. They'll 
be down on us in a twinklin'." 

Do they know our hiding-place ? " 

“ This is the same place used by Oregon Sol, you 
must mind^ and it ain't noways likely they'll miss 
takin' the first peep in hyer to see how things look." 

‘‘ Jerusalem ! we'll be in a hot place before we 
know. Suppose they do surround us, what will we 
do?" 

Stay in till we git smoked out, and then make a 
run for it." 

But can we get away from them ? " 

‘‘ Wagh ! that's 'cording to how fast your pegs 
move, 'though I think the chances are good of 
gittin' your ha'r raised." 

‘‘ My gracious, Biddon ! " exclaimed Nat in con- 
sternation, we must arrange things differently 
from this." 

Af eared ? " asked Biddon, with a piercing 
look. 

Of course not — certainly not. My great objec- 
tion, Biddon, you see, is this: if they undertake to 
smoke us out, it'll be sure to hurt our complexions 
very much — especially mine as I ain't used to it; 
and when we find that lovely maiden, why, you see, 


NATHAN TODD, 


I4I 

I won’t be able to make as good an impression as I 
should like to. Don’t you see, Biddon ? ” 

The trapper indulged in a hearty laugh before 
replying : 

‘‘ You’re a trump, you is. Howsumever, it’s well 
’nough to be on the look-out. I don’t s’pose you 
care about goin’ under jist now, ef the wipin’ out 
has to be done by the reds. As fur me, it don’t 
make no difference when the last sickness comes, 
’though I should die hard ef I thought my top-knot 
was ever to hang in the lodge of a redskin. There 
ain’t no one to cry when Bilk Biddon goes. He has 
hunted a long time ’mong the praeries, and is gettin’ 
so well ’long that the day can’t be fur off after all, 
and he ain’t noways skeerish about it. Howsum- 
ever, as I’s sayin’ ’tain’t noways likely you’ve a 
handkerin’ to go under jist now, and so we’ll take a 
look ’round us.” 

“ Have you no means at hand to escape should 
an attack be made ? ” 

You hear the roar of that kenyon ? Wal, 
in under the rocks there I’ve a canoe, and 
when the time comes — ef it ever does — ^when we 
can choose the way in which we’ll step out, that’ll 
answer.” 

‘‘ How, Biddon ? I don’t understand you.” 

We can go down the kenyont** 


142 


NATHAN TODD, 


O thunder ! that would be sure death/’ 

‘‘ You’ve hit the truth there once, ef you never 
did afore, though ’tain’t exactly the truth either. 
You’d stand a chance of cornin’ out right — ’bout the 
the same chance that a painted Crow would afore 
Bill Biddon’s shooter, after he’d drawed bead on 
him! ” 

‘‘ Narrow enough chance, in heaven’s name ! 
But, Biddon, what do you propose to do ? ” 

We won’t undertake nothin’ to-night, but to- 
morrow we’ll spend the day in scoutin’. We’ll find 
out ef that gal’s hyreabouts. Ef she is, we’ll make 
a dash fur her ; ef she isn’t — why she isn’t.” 

A long consultation was held that evening be- 
tween the two friends, and their course of action 
determined upon. It was decided that the first point 
was to ascertain whether the one for whom they 
were searching was in the tribe. Despite the cir- 
cumstances pointing that way, there still was good 
reason to doubt this all-important fact. Were she 
present, however, they could hope for no success 
unless they should discover some means by which 
first to communicate with her, assure her of the ex- 
istence of her sister and the efforts being made 
to restore her to civilization, and thus awaken a 
natural desire to escape upon her own part. Could 
they succeed in this, there was every reason to hope 


2^ATHAN TODD, 


143 


for entire success, although, as the trapper inti- 
mated, the suspicion and vigilance of the Indians 
would be so great as to make it a work of the great- 
est peril to all concerned. 

In the morning the two ventured forth, taking 
opposite directions. The vegetation was so abun- 
dant toward the base of the mountains that every 
facility was afforded for concealment, and they had 
little fear of detection. Biddon proceeded in a 
westerly direction, intending to pass around and 
reconnoiter the village from the opposite side, 
while Nat concluded to lie off in the woods and 
view matters from a distance. The latter made his 
way cautiously down the mountain, and entered the 
woods without encountering any suspicious object. 
Here the glorious foliage and the pleasant air were 
so tempting that he wandered through the forest 
almost forgetting the object that brought him 
thither. He crossed small streams of water which 
came down in cascades from the mountain, and 
flowed over their pebbly beds like liquid mountain- 
air, in which the fish, darting hither and thither, 
resembled flashes of gold and silver. The forest- 
arches echoed with the songs of thousands of birds ; 
the sky overhead, as blue as Italy^s, was flecked by 
a few . drifting clouds ; the air had that peculiar 
clearness which renders it doubly exhilarating. Nat 


144 


2^ AT HAN TODD, 


wandered onward, like a boy lost in enchantment, 
until noon, when he suddenly noticed that he had 
passed the Indian village by several miles. Some- 
what startled by this discovery, and withal a little 
ashamed, he immediately turned to retrace his way. 
Having now no fascination to make the mind insen- 
sible to what the body was doing, the distance seemed 
astonishingly great. But after a few hours of 
hurried walk, he caught sight of the Indian lodges, 
nestling down in the valley like a lot of hives, while 
the bees were swarming around the outside and 
through the adjoining forest. Nat now and then 
caught a sight of the warriors, glittering in their 
gaudy dress like so many tropical birds, and flitting 
hither and thither in a manner that warned him to be 
cautious of his movements as he approached the 
vicinity of the village. While proceeding thus, he 
stumbled upon a scene that made him recoil in as- 
tonishment. Several trees, standing close together, 
were interlaced and interwoven by vines in such a 
manner as to make a natural arbor. Pressing be- 
tween these vines, he found the semblance from 
within more perfect than from the outside. It 
seemed as though art must have assisted at some 
time in forming such a beautiful retreat — ^more 
especially as the interior had the appearance of 
being fitted up for the abode of some one during the 


NATHAlSf TODD, 


145 


sultry noontide hours. But Nat had seen such 
wonderful doings of Nature in the wilds of the 
Northwest, that it would have required a most ex- 
traordinary demonstration upon her part to have 
shaken his belief in her potency. The present scene 
was so inviting, and the air so cool, that he con- 
cluded to rest himself for a while before continuing 
his reconnoiterings — or, more properly, commen- 
cing them. Had he taken the precaution to 
examine more closely the network of vines around 
him, he would have discovered such evidences of 
the hand of man as to have made him careful 
about hesitating long enough even to view the arbor, 
much less to trust his body within it for an hour 
or two. But no such suspicion entered his mind ; 
and, seating himself upon a curious-looking object, 
he gave himself up to the enjoyment of the scene 
around. 

As might be expected, he fell asleep! A half- 
hour after entering, he rolled off his seat upon the 
leaves without waking, and continued his slumbers, 
actually snoring loud enough to attract attention 
from the outside! An hour passed thus, when he 
awoke, and gazed with a bewildered look around 
him. He recalled in a moment the circumstances by 
which he was surrounded, and was about to rise to 
his feet and pass out, when he was startled by a 


NATHAN TODD. 


146 

vision SO unexpected, so astounding, that we must 
digress a moment to describe it in full. 

At the opening by which he had entered, stood a 
person whom it would have required no great effort 
of the imagination to fancy a being just dropped 
from the skies. Her dress was purely Indian in 
character, with all the dazzling contrasts of color 
and costly abundance that characterizes the costume 
of a princess. The hair was black and flowing, and 
was surmounted by a wreath, in which clustered 
such a number of eagle-feathers of the most brilliant 
dyes, as to give it the appearance of the plumage of 
one of those wondrous birds of the Orient. A 
shawl of the hue of blood, spangled by all the curi- 
ous devices that an Indian’s ingenuity could suggest, 
fell from the shoulders to the feet, and was open 
enough in front to reveal a dress of green and blue, 
figured and wrought after the manner which a 
savage sorcerer sometimes evinces. The leggins 
were of the most tasteful kind, and the moccasins 
small and ornamented by beads and trinkets. As 
she stood, the left hand was closed over the right 
shoulder so as to grasp the folds of the shawl and 
sustain it in its place, while the right arm was 
raised, and the fingers were extended as if in horror. 
The eyes were intensely black and glowing, the 
mouth partly opened, and one foot slightly in 


:NATHA2J TODD. 


H7 


advance of the other. The apparition of a white 
man seemed to have transfixed her with a species of 
a terror, and she remained as motionless as a statue. 
When this being first burst upon Nat's vision, he 
started, recoiled, and then gazed at it as if fascinated. 
He examined the gorgeous dress, the form and the 
features. He noticed the dark eyes and hair, the 
small, slightly Roman nose, the finely-cut lips, and 
glowing throat ; suddenly his own features lightened 
up, and he sprung forward : 

‘‘ How are you, Irene ? Glad to see you. Imogene 
and Bill Relmond are first-rate, I believe — that is, 
they were the last I heard of them. This is your 
summer retreat, I suppose; come in and sit down, 
and let's have a talk together." 

It would be difficult to picture the astonishment 
of the being addressed by these words. It was not 
till she heard her own name uttered that she moved. 
She started and gasped : 

‘‘ Who are you ? " 

Nathan Todd, from the State of Maine." 

“ Where — why are you here ? " 

“ Why am I here ? I have come all this distance 
to look for you.^^ 

Irene — for such it was — stepped forward and 
peered into our hero's face until he felt himself 
blushing to his very toes. 


148 


NATHAIf TODD. 


Oh ! explain yourself ; what does all this mean ? 

Well, the way of it is this,’’ commenced Nat, 
making a movement with his arms, as though he 
were putting on a coat, and laying the finger of 
one hand in the palm of another. ‘‘ You see, your 
name is Irene Merment, in the first place, Isn’t 
it?” 

It is — ^and how came you to know it ? ” 

We’ll come to that by-and-by. Well, Bill Bid- 
don and myself (more especially myself) are here 
after you.” 

While Nat was speaking, the fair being gazed 
at him as if she doubted his sanity. Several times 
he noticed, too, that she glanced furtively around 
her, as though she feared the approach of some 
one. 

But,” said she, what do you wish of me ? ” 

It liked to have slipped from Nat’s mouth before 
he thought; but it occurred to him it was rather 
early in their acquaintance to make the all-impor- 
tant answer. 

“ We want to take you from these outlandish 
rascals to the land of civilization, where you may see 
your friends.” 

Me — I have no friends but these Indians.” 

" Beg your pardon, the best friend you’ve got in 


149'.150 



** Irene.” 



V 


2JATHAN TODD, 


151 

the world stands before you ; and haven’t you got a 
sister? ’’ 

I had once. If she is living, she is, like me, a 
hopeless captive. I never expect to see her until I 
meet her in heaven.” 

You’re all wrong again. I’ve seen your sister 
Imogene; she is married to a fellow named Rel- 
mond, from down toward New Jersey somewhere. 
He is rather soft-like, but they’re happy for all that. 
Happy, most, as I expect to be when — ” 

He finished the sentence by a burning blush and 
cough. Irene turned as pale as death, but mastered 
her terrible emotion, and asked : 

Is this true? Do tell me all. But I fear for you. 
If the Indians see you, you will be killed.” 

There are various opinions about that,” replied 
our hero, confidently. However, the story must be 
given. A number of years ago, all of your family, 
except yourself and sister, were murdered on the 
plains by the all-fired savages. Each of you were 
taken captives, and carried off by different tribes. 
Your sister, Imogene, was rescued from captivity 
by myself, assisted by Biddon, who was your guide 
at the time of the massacre, and who is here now — 
assisted by him, I say, and Relmond, who is gone 
East with her and married her. I heard her speak 
of you, and I made a solemn vow to find out your 


^52 


NATHAN TODD, 


fate. The Lord directed me here, and IVe found 
you at last. Me and Bidden have been hunting all 
over the mountains for you, and IVe nearly worried 
to death about you. You'll go home with us and see 
your sister, won't you, Irene ? " 

Yes, yes ; I could not live here now that I 
know my only earthly relative is living. I would 
die — I would die." 

She covered her face and gave way to her emotion 
for a time, while Nat busied himself with surveying 
her wonderful dress, admiring her faultless form, 
and conjuring up a hundred wild schemes of escap- 
ing with her. Soon she looked up. 

‘‘ Are you and Biddon the two white men who 
have remained in the mountains this winter?" 

‘‘ My gracious ! how did you know we were 
here?" 

‘‘The Indians have suspected it, although they 
did not know where it was you remained. Oh, my 
friend ! you are in awful danger." 

“Where? what is it?" 

“The savages have watched the mountains for 
you a long time, and they have found, at last, where 
it is you stay, and they are going to kill you. They 
will do it if you are not careful. Oh ! I saw them 
kill a white man once whom they found here, and 
they tried to get another one. They set a fire 


NATHAN TODD, 


153 


all around the cave in which he had hid himself, 
and tried to make him come out that way. He set 
up a yell and ran right through the fire and got 
away from theme after all. Oh! I was so glad, I 
spent the whole night in thanking the blessed 
God for it. He was the same man that I once 
warned of danger several years before. Do not 
go back to your cave to-night, for they will kill 
you.” 

Gracious ! I must find Biddon.” 

Do not sleep there then.” 

** There’s no danger of my sleeping anywhere 
to-night! I’ll go right off and see him now — ^but 
hold on,” he exclaimed, wheeling around and facing 
Irene, ** how about you’re going with us ? ” 

“ I must see you again,” she replied in a low tone, 
and with such an accent as to show that it had been 
years since she had used her native tongue. 

“ I have it ! ” cried Nat, exultingly. I will 
see Biddon, and we’ll camp out in the woods some- 
where to-night, and I’ll come around to this 
place to-morrow night, and we’ll start for home 
right off.” 

** Have you horses ? ” 

'' Not one. I lost mine last fall, and some of 
your Indians must have stolen Biddon’s.” 


154 


NATHAN TODD. 


** I will try and get some and bring them here, and 
oh ! may Heaven help me ! ’’ 

She trembled like an aspen as she spoke, and soon 
added : 

Go now to your friend, and I entreat you 
to be careful. Oh ! this cannot be reality ! — it 
is ! — it — is ! God grant that I may see my long-lost 
sister ! ’’ 

The next minute she was gone, and Nat, gazing a 
moment in vain to catch a glimpse of her, turned 
also and departed. Hardly five minutes had elapsed 
when the bushes parted within a dozen feet of 
where she had been standing, and the crouching 
form of an Indian rose to view. His face was dis- 
torted with passion, for he had witnessed the inter- 
view just recorded; and, although not a word was 
undersood, the wily savage read their meaning in 
their faces and gestures. He bent his head as if 
listening, and then disappeared as stealthily as he 
had come. 

In the meantime Nat made his way toward the 
cavern, his heart throbbing tumultuously with his 
newly-awakened hope, and with the numerous 
schemes he conjured up to escape the fury of the 
savages. It was already growing dusk, and, while 
yet some distance from their rendezvous, he heard 


IJATHAN TODD, 


155 

a rustling in the bushes, and before he could divine 
its cause, Bidden stood beside him. 

Don’t go any nearer the rocks ! ” he admonished 
in a whisper. 

Why, what’s the trouble ? ” 

They’ve found us out at last, and it’s my private 
opine there’ll be some fun to-night. Jist step back 
hyer a little further in the woods and we’ll talk the 
thing over. Now,” asked the trapper, what have 
you seen ? ” 

Nat related every particular of his interview with 
the captive, Irene. 

Just what I expected,” added Biddoii. ‘‘ You 
orter knowed more than to go asleep in that 
place ” 

“ But you see I wanted to find out how the thing 
worked, and if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have seen the 
lovely maiden ” 

‘‘ I know,” interrupted Biddon, with a slight 
chuckle ; ‘‘ it’s happened to come out right, but 
you orter knowed better. I’ve been peakin’ round 
their village, and soon found out by the way 
things looked that they’s up to some deviltry, and 
long afore night I knowed it war our place they’d 
sot eyes on. As I said afore, they’ll be thar 
to-night.” 

And what’ll we do? ” 


UATUA2^ TODD, 


156 

We’ll lay off. Foller me as still as a snake.” 

The trapper led the way further up the mountain 
until he reached a point several hundred yards from 
the canon of which we have before spoken, and 
about a furlong from the cavern which, up to this 
time, had been their quarters. Here they halted 
before a cluster of buffalo-berry bushes. Both knelt 
down on their hands and knees, crept a dozen feet 
into the densest portion, where they nestled down 
like a couple of rabbits. 

What is this for? ” asked Nat, in a whisper. 

‘‘ You see, there’s going to be somewhat of a 
moon to fight, and when they don’t find us among 
the rocks, they’ll make a search around it fur us, 
fur they’re bound to either lift our ha’r or skear us 
out of these parts.” 

But won’t they find us here ? ” 

“ They won’t look so fur as this to-night, and if 
we can lay out of sight till to-morrow night, they’ll 
think we’ve left for good, and we’ll have the next 
night to do the business for him.” 

Nat saw the meaning of the course taken by the 
trapper. The latter hoped to escape the eyes of the 
savages by the very boldness of his stratagem. He 
had found, during the day, that his traps had been 
visited, and had every good reason to believe their 
retreat in the rocks was suspected. He knew that a 


2^ATHAN TODD. 


157 


search would be made through the adjoining forest 
and mountains; and where the savages were ac- 
quainted with every nook which could conceal a 
human body, there was little cause to hope they 
would escape their vision. They might have made 
a retreat of several miles in the mountains, and thus 
avoided them until they could venture in the vicinity 
of the village again; but the reckless trapper chose 
a bolder and more perilous artifice. The thicket 
in which he and Nat had concealed themselves 
afforded them a perfect screen, and there was no 
danger of their being seen by any passer-by, unless 
he should enter and separate the bushes. He 
had chosen a point so near the canon to avail 
them in their last extremity should a discovery take 
place. 

They sat an hour or so conversing in whispers, 
when Nat felt the hand of Biddon placed suddenly 
upon his shoulder, and heard his whispered ex- 
clamation : 

‘‘ Look!’’ 

A bright, lurid glare filled that quarter of the 
heavens over the cavern which had so long been 
their home, and a pile of blazing brush, sending its 
cinders high in the air, was raging around the rock 
itself. 


1:^ AT HAN TODD. 


158 

'' The imps ar' at work, but they Ve missed thar 
scalps this time/’ 

The Indians had waited until late at night before 
commencing their work. At that time they judged 
their victims would be asleep within the cave, totally 
unsuspicious of danger. Their preparations were 
made with the utmost secrecy, so as not to alarm 
them. Huge piles of brush were heaped around the 
cave until it was literally covered with it. The most 
daring of their number could not be induced 
to enter the cave in the face of the two rifles and 
knives they supposed to be within it. 

The torch was applied to the brush in a dozen 
different places at the same moment; and, as the 
forked flames shot upward, half a hundred throats 
rent the air with exultant yells. From their hiding- 
place the two whites could see the shadowy forms 
leaping and flinging their limbs, like demons in 
some hellish revel. The savages expected their 
victims would either remain within the cave until 
suffocated to death, or until they were compelled to 
rush out in their frenzy, when it was intended to 
tomahawk them. 

‘‘ B’ars and beavers ! wouldn’t it do me good 
jist to make one or two of them imps bounce a 
little higher?” remarked Biddon, pointing his rifle 


NATHAN TODD. 


159 

through the bushes and letting the gleam of the fire 
fall upon the barrel. 

‘‘ I wouldn’t try it, Bidden,” pleaded Nat. I 
wouldn’t try it at all ; it might be dangerous — dan- 
gerous to the Indians, I mean.” 

That’s jist what Bidden was thinking.” 

“ Yes — I was going to say so — ^but I wouldn’t do 
it. Bidden. Let them think we’re in there all the 
time.” 

‘‘ Oh ! I ain’t such a fool as to fire as the case 
stands now.” 

The savages continued dancing and yelling until 
morning. The fire was continually replenished and 
kept raging ; and, when daylight dawned upon 
them, they were satisfied their victims were already 
dead. The pile of glowing coals was now raked 
away from the entrance, and three Indians bounded 
within with drawn knives. Instantly after, a howl 
of baffled fury was heard as they saw the whites 
had escaped. The apartment was filled with smoke 
and the intolerable stench of the burning peltries, 
and it was this which had been mistaken for that of 
the human bodies. The savages, overcome by the 
sickening smell, darted out again and reported 
the whites gone. Another search was hurriedly 
made by others, which, of course, confirmed this 
fact. 


l6o 2^ATHA2^ TODD, 

A consultation was now held, and it was agreed 
that they had been deceived. The two men could 
not have eluded them after the cave was sur- 
rounded. They must have discovered the intentions 
upon them and fled. The Indian who had wit- 
nessed the interview between Nat and Irene had 
imparted it to others, who were thus convinced 
that they were still lurking in the vicinity. Just 
what Biddon predicted took place. The savages 
determined to spend the day in searching the 
mountains and forest, and to discover and sacrifice 
them. 

Biddon, in his concealment, read this resolve in 
the actions of his enemies, and assured Nat that the 
critical time was coming. If they could remain 
secure until dusk, he was satisfied of success. They 
would then steal out and meet Irene at the place 
appointed ; but if discovered — 

Well make a dash for the kenyon. My canoe 
is there, and well be out of their sight in a 
twinklin’. We couldn’t make a run for it through 
these mountains without losin’ our ha’r.” 

So that was determined. Now and then Biddon 
parted the bushes with his rifle, so as to afford him 
a view of what was going on. At such times he 
could see some of the Indians hunting around the 
rock, and he rightly judged there were others 


NATHAN TODD. 


l6l 


scattered through the wood. With characteristic 
thoughtfulness, the trapper had brought some 
beaver-meat with him, which the peril of their situ- 
ation did not prevent from being enjoyed. 

The forenoon wore away without any alarming 
circumstances occurring. On three several occa- 
sions Bidden had detected the presence of their 
enemies by applying his ear to the ground and 
hearing their footsteps; but all passed away, and 
they had good reason to believe the crisis had 
gone by. 

I don’t believe the fools have the slightest 
thought of our being here,” remarked Nat, ex- 
ultingly. 

Biddon instantly started, bent his head to the 
ground, and whispered : 

It’s all up ! we must make a run ! ” 

“ Why ? they haven’t seen us.” 

I heard a redskin’s step the minute you spoke, 
and I knew he heard you speak. He’s gone to get 
the others.” 

Jerusa— ” 

“ Foller me, and use your pegs ! ” 

He crawled hastily, to the edge of the thicket 
and paused an instant. 

“ Yonder’s the infarnal imp, and he’s gettin’ ’em 
fast. Come, Nat Todd, ef you go under, you’ll have 


:t^ATHAN TODD. 


162 

the pleasure of knowin’ ’twan't nobody^s fault but 
your own. Keep close, don’t make no noise, and 
do as I do.” 

As he spoke he started on a rapid run, his head 
bent down almost to his knees. Nat followed in 
the same crouching manner. They had gained a 
a dozen yards when a yell, something similar to the 
dreaded death-halloo,” rose on the air, and a score 
of Indians sprung toward them. The trapper 
instantly rose to an upright position and darted 
forward with the speed of the wind. Fortunately, 
there were none of their enemies in their way, and 
they reached the water several hundred yards in 
advance of all pursuers. The trapper bounded over 
the rocks into the boiling eddy in front of the canon, 
and disappeared from view. While Nat stood a 
trembling, agonized spectator, he came out from 
beneath a ledge of rocks, holding the prow of a 
canoe. 

“ Over with you ! ” he shouted, making his voice 
heard above the thundering din of the waters. 

Nat did not hesitate, but leaped out, going far 
down into the caldron. As he came, he was seized 
by Biddon — who had already entered the boat — and 
hauled in. 

“ Hold fast or you’ll be throwed out ! ” screamed 
the trapper. 


2fATHAN TODD, 


163 

The next instant the boat was seized by the resist- 
less current, as if it were an eggshell, and whirled 
in between the rocks. As it darted forward with 
the swiftness of a bullet, Nat heard a voice as 
though uttered miles away : 

'' The imps'll lose our ha'r after all thar trouble, 
for they'll never see us come out this kenyon." 

Turning, he saw the trapper's face glowing like 
a spirit's. All around was a hell of foam — of 
dripping rocks — of deafening thunder — of dizzying 
spinning — of oblivion! 

When the Indians reached the canon, not a ves- 
tige of the whites was seen ! 


164 


NATHAN TODD. 


CHAPTER X. 

IN WHICH IT IS SHOWN THAT IT IS NOT ALWAYS A 
BAD THING TO ‘‘ SPLIT UPON A ROCK/' 

The canon was over a mile in extent. It wound 
toward every point in the compass through a mass 
composed of red sandstone and siliceous limestone. 
Overhead the walls almost touched in places, while 
in others the fleetest horse could not have leaped 
them. The action of the water, for untold centuries, 
had hollowed out such a vast amount of the solid 
material as to give it the appearance of a tunnel 
partly burst open at the top. The blinding spray 
that continually ascended from the turmoil of water 
afforded only an occasional glimpse of what was 
beneath. In some places the current could be seen 
moving with a frightful calmness, here and there a 
spot of deep emerald-green visible, while in others 
the froth danced gayly forward, the particles seem- 
ing to repel each other with a peculiar shuddering 
motion. 


1^ATHA2^ TODD, 


165 

Upon the disappearance of the twain in this rag- 
ing canon, the Indians rushed forward and peered 
downward at different points, hoping to obtain a 
glimpse of their bodies tossed from rock to rock. 
The stern of the canoe, only, was discovered as 
it shot from sight. Once, a dark body was 
seen to whirl with an awful velocity, and then it 
was hid from view by the mist and projecting 
crags. 

At the point where the canon issued from the 
mountains, and spread out into a broad, limpid 
stream, were stationed a score of warriors, waiting 
to see the fragments of the canoe or the mangled 
bodies of the whites. A couple of hours after, a 
loud shout was raised as the canoe appeared bottom 
upward. A daring savage sprung in, and, swim- 
ming until in calmer water, pulled the boat in. A 
minute examination followed, revealing the fact 
that it was split from stem to stern, and thrust 
through again and again by the jagged points of 
the rocks against which it had been cast. But no 
sign of the rash adventurers was seen. The savages 
waited until dusk, when, satisfied that their bodies 
were wedged in the walls or spinning in the vortex 
of some whirlpool, they withdrew, if not contented 
that their scalps were irrecoverably gone, still, re- 


i66 


T^ATFAJV TODD, 


lieved to know that a dangerous enemy was effec- 
tually extinguished. 

Night slowly settled over the mountain and wood. 
The faint moon, obscured up the drifting clouds, 
threw a ghostly and uncertain light over the scene. 
The Indian village was quiet and motionless. Now 
and then a dusky form flitted into view, and was 
lost again in the deep shadows. The continuous, 
thundering roar of the canon was the only sound 
that broke the solemn stillness that otherwise held 
reign. 

Several yards from the commencement of the 
canon, a sharp crag projected nearly across the top. 
It was on this that the most venturesome of the 
Indian children often seated themselves, to the con- 
sternation of the more timid ones, as it was directly 
over the fiercest part, and was ever dripping with 
the water dashed against it. Had a savage made 
it his duty to watch this point of rock through the 
night, he would have noted something unusual and 
alarming. 

Near midnight, a dark, circular line, like the coil 
of a hoop-snake, shot upward beside this point and 
dropped beneath. This was repeated four times, 
when, for the space of ten minutes, no further move- 
ment could have been noticed. At the end of that 
time a slight agitation took place, and an instant 


TODD. 


167 

after, a human head rose to view and as quickly 
disappeared again. Scarce a minute elapsed ere 
it rose once more, and was followed by a pair of 
massive shoulders. Remaining a foot above the sur- 
face, the bushy head moved around as if on a pivot, 
and had it not been for the deafening roar, the fol- 
lowing words could have been heard: 

'' Thar don’t appear to be none of the imps around 
jist now, and ef they don’t think we’ve gone under 
this time, then Bill Biddon never raised the ha’r of 
a red this side of the Missipp. Wagh ! ” 

The ponderous form of the trapper now heaved 
up from the chasm, and was instantly extended flat 
upon the rocks. A minute after, a conical point 
rose to view, ascending higher and higher, until 
the peaked hat, the dilated eyes, and glowing 
face of Nat Todd were visible in the pale moon- 
light. 

Sure they’re all gone, Biddon?”" 

‘‘ Yas — be quick and flop out.” 

It required no second admonition for our hero 
to flop out.” Hardly were the words uttered be- 
fore his angular legs beat the air and he slid 
dextrously backward beside Biddon. 

‘‘ Now jump to t'other side and make for cover! ” 
added the latter, springing over and shooting across 
toward the wood. 


i68 


NATHAN TODD, 


Nat skurried after him, experiencing that pecul- 
iar sensation that afflicts one who is momentarily 
expecting the prick of several poisoned arrows in 
the rear. The shadows of the wood reached, they 
halted for consultation. 

‘‘ I tell you what, Biddon, I come nearer to 
death that time than I ever did before ! 

“ Shoot me ef it wan’t as close a rub I blieve as 
I ever had. Things looked dubious when we went 
into that kenyon.’’ 

‘‘ How in the name of Heaven did you think to 
bring that rope with you ? ” 

“ Wagh ! I told yer it wan't sure death to go in 
there, ’thought ’twas next to it. I brought that 
lasso with me and laid it in the boat a month 
ago. 

‘‘ Ugh ! it makes me shudder to think of that 
awful ride, and our stay on that rock, and the time 
when I was climbing up, when I dangled right in 
the midst of the dashing spray. S’posen that thong 
had broke ! Where would I have been ? ” 

“ Never mind, you’re right side up for the 
present. I’ve spent many an hour along the upper 
part of that kenyon, seein’ how ’twas built, and 
what chance a feller would have who was sucked 


NATHAN TODD, 


169 

in it. I knowed ef he ever got twenty yards in it 
he’d get his last sickness, sure. Yes, sir. I’ve 
throwed in big chunks of wood, and then watched 
thar capers.” 

Playing, as I suppose.” 

“ It was that playin’ that saved you this time. I 
noticed that on an averige, three times out of seven, 
each chunk of wood was carried right over a big 
flat rock, where, ef it only had turned to stone, it 
would have sunk and stayed, being as the water was 
rather mild jist there. Not bein’ a stone, howsum- 
ever, it was washed away. In course, I ’eluded a 
feller what was drawed in there would stand three 
chances out of seven of bein’ carried on that same 
rock, whar, ef he was lively like, he might grab 
and hold on, and git breath afore goin’ any furder. 
Now, Nat, the foolishest notion I ever had in my 
life was to take a shoot down that same kenyon, 
and I made up my mind to come back here some day 
and try it. That extra expense was saved, as we’ve 
jist seen. Our boat was carried on that very rock, 
where it split in two and spilled us out. I growed 
heavy all at once, and stuck to the rock like a dog 
to a root, and held you on. When we got the use 
of our pegs it wan’t no hard job to keep our places. 


170 


NATHAN TODD, 


’though we had to stand in a foot’s water and hold 
fast with our hands, toes, and teeth. It was a lucky 
accident that cracked the boat jist in that place. 
It was the best rock to split on. A lucky accident, 
I say.” 

It wasn’t an accident, Biddon, it was the provi- 
dence of God — one of those that He is forever 
strewing before us.” 

“ S’pose so — ^but how ’bout Irene?” 

‘‘Jerusalem! I forgot all about that lovely 
maiden I ” 

“ You’d better manage to let her know you’re yet 
kickin’, for ’tain’t likely she has any more s’picion 
we’re blabbin’ above ground than the reds have. 
Wagh! that war a ride, down that kenyon, sure! ” 

The conversation recorded will give the reader 
an insight into the reason, or more properly the 
cause, that led the trapper to adopt his original 
method of eluding the savages. It was not, by any 
means, that it was the only one at his command; 
for the most veritable tyro could have retreated a 
mile or two in the forest and concealed himself 
until the search of the Indians was completed. 
But it was a peculiarity — an infatuation — of the 
eccentric Biddon to attempt the feat of entering the 


NATHAN TODD. 


171 

canon in the very face of death. His long famil- 
iarity with peril may have induced this extraordi- 
nary desire in a mind otherwise so well balanced and 
cautious — there being a species of insane ecstasy 
in defying the King of Terrors to his very 
face. 

Besides, Bidden did not lose sight of the great 
advantage gained in case they escaped the fate their 
very course invited. The Indians had now no fears 
of them, and the way was consequently left open 
for the attempts they wished to make. There was 
one soft spot in the old mountaineer's heart. He 
loved the two orphans with a yearning, fatherly 
affection, and he had more than once intimated to 
Nat that, could he be satisfied both were restored 
to civilization and happiness, his desire for life 
would be ended. He had no further object to live 
for — ^he was well advanced in years, and the last 
journey could be as well taken at once. 

From his remarks at different times, Nat was led 
to suspect he had a presentiment of his dissolution. 
The religious fear that characterized Nat's own 
actions — his repeated conversations of heaven, of 
hell, and the reunion of friends beyond the tomb, 
seemed to sensibly affect the weather-beaten hunter. 


172 


2fATUAN TODD. 


He discovered many ideas similar to those borne 
by the Indian warrior — often spoke of wandering 
in the great hunting-grounds beyond the setting 
sun. There evidently was some buried love, the 
remembrance of which often saddened his hours. 
He listened intently to Nat's words ; and, during the 
winter spent in the cave, had often inquired, with 
the eager simplicity of a child, of heavenly truths. 
Our hero never failed to improve these moments, 
and was doubly repaid by the effect his words 
produced, and the increased friendship of his 
formidable ally. It would have been curious, if 
not sometimes amusing, to notice how the trapper 
leaned upon him in conversation, while Nat, when 
it came to action, looked up to him as a child would 
to a father. 

On the present occasion he did not hesitate to 
take his advice. It certainly struck our hero as 
singular that it had not occurred to him before to 
do this. As stated, the hour was near midnight, 
and he had little fear of encountering any danger 
on the way. The distance around to the grove, 
where he had agreed to meet Irene, was a half-mile, 
and he was compelled to make a detour to avoid the 
Indian village. As there was no reason why Bidden 


NATHAN TODD. 


173 

should remain in this particular spot, the two moved 
forward together. 

While within the shade of the wood, the gloom 
was so great as to eifectually conceal them from 
any night-walkers in the vicinity; but there were 
small belts of clearings to be crossed at long inter- 
vals, where there was naturally some risk run. At 
such places, one or two long, noiseless bounds 
carried the trapper over, while Nat slunk after him 
with short and nimble steps. 

The entire distance was passed without anything 
occurring to excite alarm. Bidden knew the spot 
well enough to reach it from the directions Nat 
had given the day before; and before the latter 
suspected they were anywhere near it, his companion 
halted. Our hero was about to speak, when a hand 
was laid upon his shoulder. 

“ — sh! down! there’s somebody besides us in 
these parts ! ” 

They were still a number of yards from the arbor, 
as it might properly be termed, or these words 
would not have been added to what was already 
sufficient to make Nat as cautious as die prowling 
beast. 

“Maybe,” he whispered, “it’s her — Ireno— the 
lovely maiden herself.” 


174 


l^ATHAN TODD, 


“ Wait, and lay low fur awhile/’ 

Both sunk noiselessly downward until they 
blended with and seemed a part of the ground itself. 
Here they remained, silent and motionless, for the 
space of fifteen minutes, when the ears of both 
detected a slight rustle, like the footfall of a bird 
upon the leaves. Biddon drew his knife from his 
belt, clutched it firmly, while he gathered himself, 
ready for the fatal spring as soon as it became un- 
avoidable. A suppressed ugh ! ” was heard, and 
the next minute the form of an Indian glided by 
them, so close that either could have touched him 
with their hands, although the trained orbs of the 
trapper were barely sufficient to detect the faintest 
outline of the savage, who trod thus nigh to his 
own destruction. 

‘‘ The way is clear now ! ” whispered Biddon, a 
moment after. 

Are you sure that wasn’t Irene ? ” asked Nat, 
eagerly. 

Wagh ! it was as bloody a redskin as e’er 
clinched ha’r or brained a baby in its mother’s 
arms.” 

‘‘What could he be doing here this time of 
night?” 


NATHAN TODD. 


175 


Don’t you s’picion ? ” 

‘‘ I have not the remotest idea.” 

He war hyer, then, to see us!'* 

How do you know that ? ” 

“ Ah ! Nat, you’ve got a heap to larn yit That 
red has see’d you when you had that talk with 
Irene, and he has been out here watching for you.” 

“ But if he saw me, why didn’t he kill me then ? 
He might, for I’m very sure I didn’t see anything 
of him. xA^nd, besides, I supposed the Indians be- 
lieved we were dead, having gone down that dread- 
ful canon.” 

Depend on it, Nat, the words Bill Bidden has to 
say jist now are as true as gospil. That red has 
see’d you, and he has s’pected the truth. He didn’t 
want to send his arrer into yer until he war sure 
what you were up to, and then you can make up 
your mind he wouldn’t have been long ’bout it. 
He hasn’t been that sure that we’d wiped ourselves 
out but what he thought it wouldn’t hurt him any to 
keep a watch, and he has been hyer ever since dark. 
Howsumever, you can make up your mind that he 
won’t watch any longer for us.” 

It is perhaps proper to state, at this point, that 
this savage was the one who had seen the interview 


176 AT HAN TODD. 

between our hero and heroine, and whose motives 
and actions were really the same as remarked by 
the trapper. The lingering suspicions he enter- 
tained relating to the death of our two friends were 
now entirely dissipated. 

‘‘ But maybe Irene is here also,’’ ventured Nat, 
as the two once more moved forward, with much 
less caution than had characterized their move- 
ments up to this point. 

'‘No, replied Biddon, with marked em- 

phasis. 

" I wish she was ; it would so help matters along, 
particularly if she would have three splendid horses 
and something good to eat.” 

" Keep quiet, Nat ; there’s no use of gabbin’ that 
way.” 

" I was only remarking — Jerusa ” 

Ere yet the exclamation was out of his mouth, 
a cold shadow brushed by him, so close as to 
make him recoil, and feel the wind directly in his 
face. 

‘‘ What’s the matter ? ” asked Biddon, who 
noticed the broken exclamation. 

‘‘Didn’t you see anything?” 

“ No, sir, nor you either.” 


rnaOm 


177-178 



Biddon drew his knife from his belt.” 














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AT HAN TODD. 


179 

My gracious ! that was a ghost then, as sure as 
you live.’’ 

What do you mean ? ” asked Biddon, in a tone 
of vexation. 

'' Something as cold as ice brushed by my face, 
just as I spoke.” 

‘‘ Wagh ! some owl or bat.” 

“No, it wasn’t; it touched my feet, knees, and 
every part of me. Wonder if it was an Indian, 
Biddon?” 

“ Ef it war you wouldn’t have had time to won- 
» der. Some bird, I tell you.” 

“ And I tell you it wasn’t. I can tell a bird ; it 
was nearly as tall as me, and as black as Egypt. 
It was nothing less than a ghost.” 

The trapper uttered an exclamation of displeas- 
ure; for, to own the truth, he was somewhat flus- 
tered himself. In fact, the occurrences which we 
have recorded in relation to the sister of our heroine 
were never fully explained to his mind. His re- 
marks, more than once, had shown that it wore a 
supernatural appearance to him; and he was now 
prepared for something similar in regard to Irene. 
This impression was slight at present, and he strove 
to convince himself that Nat’s vision was at fault; 


l^ATHAN TODD, 


i8o 

but the positive assertions of the latter made 
him doubt and waiver, and he by no means felt 
easy. As if to upset him more completely, Nat re- 
marked : 

‘‘ You know, Biddon, how queer Imogene made 
her appearance to us, and like as not this one is 
going to do the same. I don’t care much if she does. 
As long as I’m sure the things ain’t real flesh-and- 
blood Indians, I know they can’t hurt me, and I 
ain’t half as much afraid.” 

And just here lay the difference between our 
two friends. There was a tinge of superstition in 
our hero, but probably his greatest peculiarity was 
that of viewing everything with a strong common 
sense. Thus, he was taught that if, in an Indian 
affray, he could get off without giving battle, even 
though victory was pretty sure to crown a well- 
directed effort, still, the chances of a broken head 
were infinitely less; and, consequently, it was best 
to retreat. For the same reason, if surrounded by 
invisible spirits, he could surely receive no physical 
harm from their hands, and it was utter foolishness 
to feel alarm. Biddon, possessed of the lion’s 
courage, shared the lion’s weakness. Their only 
danger was from that which could not be under- 
stood. 


AT HAN TODD, 


l8l 

A hurried, whispered consultation was held, 
which ended in both deserting the place at once. 
Biddon led the way deeper into the wood, proceed- 
ing so as to leave as slight a trail as possible. A 
half-mile was passed, when they reached a deep 
ravine, in which they entered and halted. It was 
a long time since they had slept, and, rolling up in 
their blankets, they concluded to gain what repose 
they could. The trapper trusted to his acute 
sense of hearing to warn him of the approach of 
danger. 

When Nat awoke, his companion was gone. At 
first he supposed him to be somewhere near him, 
and he lay still; but, when several hours passed 
without bringing him, he experienced some uneasi- 
ness. Noon came and went and brought no 
signs of the fugitive, and he was now tormented 
by the most intense fear for his companion. He 
was upon the point of setting out to search for 
him, when a series of yells, so wild and dreadful, 
were heard from the village, as to curdle his very 
blood. 


i 182 


NATHAN TODD. 


CHAPTER XL 

IN WHICH THERE IS A MOVE FORWARD. 

A MOMENT after, the bushes at the top of the 
ravine parted, and an Indian bounded down and 
ran with the speed of wind directly through the 
gorge, within a few feet of our hero. The latter, 
as soon as the intruder had passed, hurried several 
yards further back and ensconced himself among 
a mass of undergrowth, where a pair of lynx-eyes 
would have failed to discover him. 

The yells still continued, gradually sounding 
louder and nearer, as though a body of savages 
were approaching. A fearful suspicion that Biddon 
had fallen into their hands chained Nat to the spot. 
Presently, the tramp of feet was heard, and a score 
of Indians hurried through the ravine. Several 
leaped down at the very spot the first one did, 
while the others entered the ravine at the point 
where our two friends did the night before. Sev- 


AT HAN TODD. 


183 

eral whoops were given in the gorge, which echoed 
with an appalling effect through the rocky sides. 
Ten minutes after they had passed, an occasional 
yell was heard in the distance. 

As may be supposed, these proceedings occasioned 
not a little alarm and anxiety to Nat. What could 
be the object that led these Indians through the 
ravine? What meant their yells? It seemed the 
first must have been a flying fugitive from the 
others. Perhaps he had committed some crime — 
perhaps a murder; or, he might be a member from 
some hostile tribe who had stolen into the village 
and been discovered ; or a prisoner who had broken 
his bonds and fled. No noise or confusion toward 
the Indian town told of any unwonted alarm. Now 
and then the faint yell in the woods showed that the 
pursuit was still maintained. 

Not until dark durst Nat venture from his hiding- 
place. He clambered at once out of the ravine, 
and made his way toward the arbor which has been 
so often referred to. The absence of Biddon occa- 
sioned him much uneasiness, and he could not rid 
himself of the belief that he had fallen into their 
enemies’ hands. Nat held a genuine friendship for 
the man, but let the matter be as it might, he felt 


184 


2^ATHA^ TODD. 


he could do him no good. If it were within the 
range of human possibility to escape, the trapper 
would do it himself. 

When Nat reached the arbor it was quite dark. 
Admonished by what he had seen the night before, 
he was extremely cautious in his movements. He 
made his way within it, and seated himself in order 
to collect his thoughts, which, as yet, had taken no 
definite form. As he mused upon his experiences 
for the last day or two, he saw he had still a great 
risk to run. If the Indians were firmly convinced 
that he was dead, it was reasonable to suppose that 
Irene thought the same, and before hoping to suc- 
ceed it was necessary to assure her of his existence 
by some means or other. Here lay the great diffi- 
culty. How to succeed was more than Nat could 
tell, and in all probability he would never have< 
succeeded had not an unforeseen event assisted 
him. 

While still musing, he heard a dull stamp upon 
the ground within a few feet of him. Nothing else 
was audible, and the manner in which it was re- 
peated made him sure that his own presence was 
unknown. His perplexity was relieved by hearing 
the faint whinny of a horse! Nafs heart thrilled 


2^ATHA1^ TODD, 


185 


within him as he reflected that Irene might be 
within reach of his voice. He uttered her name in a 
whisper, repeating it several times in a louder key 
until he was convinced she was not there. He now 
made his way carefully out of the arbor, and in 
a few minutes discovered two horses standing side 
by side and secured to the limb of the tree. An 
examination showed that each was furnished with 
an Indian bridle and saddle. Nat instantly vaulted 
into one of the latter. 

Surely, this saddle must have been made for 
me! It fits exactly.’’ 

It was rather a rash proceeding in him to thus 
venture upon a horse of which he knew nothing. 
He was really a fine horseman, however, and it was 
only through his utmost skill that he maintained 
his seat. The animal quieted down somewhat in 
a moment, though he still felt uneasy at the strange 
rider upon him. 

“ Now, if Irene was only here,” mused Nat, ‘‘ we 
wouldn’t wait, but be off in a minute, though I 
should like to see old Biddon just now.” 

The reverie into which he was now falling was 
broken by a voice, uttered in a suppressed tone of 
caution. 


i86 


NATHAl^ TODD, 


Me-ento-en, Walgeandof^ 

Yaw; Nix cum arous! ” answered Nat, gravely. 

An exclamation of surprise followed this, and 
instantly the question came in slightly broken 
English : 

‘‘ Is that you, my friend ? ’’ 

“Yes, yes; my gracious! it’s me, Nat Todd. Is 
that you, Irene? I’m mighty glad to see you, being 
it’s so dark, I can’t catch the first glimpse of you; 
but nevertheless I’m just as glad.” 

“ Hush ! you may be heard. Where is your com- 
panion, the trapper ? ” 

“ Heaven save him ! I haven’t the least idea.” 

“ He told me he would be here.” 

“Told you that! Where did you see him?” 

“ I saw a signal this afternoon in the woods that 
made me suspect one of you, at least, was living, 
although no other mortals could have survived 
that terrible descent into the canon. I made my 
way to it and found Biddon, the man who would 
have saved the lives of my dear parents, had they 

* This is pronounced a little differently from what it is spelled. 
In the Indian tongue in which it was uttered, it means, “ Is that 
you, Walgeando ? It must be remembered that although our 
hero was acquainted with several Indian tongues, he knew noth- 
ing of this one. 


lilATHAl^ TODD. 


187 

heeded his advice in time. He told me how you two 
had escaped, and were only waiting for me to com- 
mence your flight. He asked me to bring three 
horses to this place, where I would find you and 
him. I did so, and one of the horses is gone! 
What can it mean ? ” 

'' It does look queer, but I shouldn’t wonder if 
Biddon has taken one of the horses himself. It is 
just like him. We will wait until he comes.” 

No, he told me if he was not here I must not 
wait a minute for him. He seemed excited about 
something, and made me promise to start as soon 
as you came. There is danger in our remaining. I 
told him what direction we would take, and he will 
follow us. We will start at once.” 

“ Go on, Ireny, and lead the way. ” 

The fair woman wheeled her horse’s head to- 
ward the south, and started him on a rapid walk. 
The undergrowth and tree-branches compelled Nat 
to keep in the rear for the present, at least, although 
he had a hundred questions he burned to ask, and 
his heart beat so tumultuously with his great love 
that he felt he could not sustain it much longer. 
Once or twice he ventured a remark, but the snap- 
ping limbs kept his head bobbing incessantly, 


i88 


2^ATHA^ TODD. 


and generally ended each sentence with an im- 
patient ejaculation. Irene seemed to glide like 
a bird through the wood, neither halting nor 
dodging, and yet avoiding every branch or obstruc- 
tion. 

An hour’s riding, and they emerged into a more 
open country. Nat’s horse leaped to the side of 
Irene’s, and he commenced his questions. 

What direction do you intend to follow, Irene ? 
Toward the Oregon trail ? ” 

Yes ; that is the one your friend mentioned. 
God alone knows where it will take us ! ” 

‘‘ Why — why, you do not regret this step ? ” 
asked Nat in astonishment. 

No, no ; but oh ! I am so excited to think I will 
perhaps see my dear, dear, long-lost sister again. 
Does she think I am living?” 

‘‘No — gracious alive! She has never thought 
of you — that is, I mean she hasn’t had the least 
idea that you are living, or that she should ever 
meet you on tiiis earth again. Won't she be glad 
to see you ? ” 

“ I am so afraid we shall be followed by the 
Indians in the morning. They will kill us both, if 
they do!” 


NATHAN TODD, 


189 


Can’t these horses trot any ? ” 

‘‘Yes — there are none swifter in the tribe; still, 
I am afraid” 

“/ mV//” exclaimed Nat; “they’ll have to go 
over my dead body to get you, and I think when it 
comes to the fighting part, you will find Bill Biddon 
about. But, Ireny, what was all that noise in the 
village about, this afternoon ? ” 

“ A warrior from another tribe killed two children 
of ours, and was seen and was pursued.” 

“ Did they get him ? ” 

“ His pursuers have not returned. I am afraid 
they will not, and when they find I am gone they 
will be doubly enraged.” 

“ It won’t do any good, for Nat Todd is around 
just now. I just thought, Ireny, I saw a ghost last 
night.” 

“ A ghost ! what do you mean ? ” asked his com- 
panion in astonishment. 

“ A spook — a spirit.” 

“Where did you see it?” 

“ In the arbor, from which we have started.” 

“ Were you there last night ? ” 

“ Certainly ; Biddon, too. We were looking for 
you.” 


190 


:natha:s[ todd. 


“ It was me you saw/’ 

“You?” repeated Nat, amazed in turn. “Why 
didn’t you speak and let us know who you were? 
We might have started then, and been a long ways 
on our journey by this time.” 

“ I did not I low you. I found an Indian was 
watching me before you came ; and when I heard 
your voices I thought more had come, and glided 
out so as to avoid them. You were directly in my 
path or I should not have passed so close to you. 
I heard you speak after I passed, and I once thought 
it might be you, but I was too frightened to venture 
back again.” 

“ Why do you think you were watched ? ” 

“ I saw the savage the night before. He kept 
his eyes upon me during the day in a manner that 
excited my suspicion, though after he had 
gone last night he seemed to have given over all 
fear.” 

Our two friends had now crossed the open space 
over which Nat had been pursued by the savages, 
as mentioned in a former chapter. Striking off to 
the right, they reached the margin of the river, 
beside which they continued their journey. The 
country was open, but of a rugged, stony character. 


NATHAN TODD, 


I9I 

The moon was not so full as usual, and objects 
could not be distinguished at a greater distance 
than twenty yards. Irene, who had wandered to 
great distances, on several occasions, with her tribe, 
knew what direction to take to reach the Oregon 
trail, and Nat certainly had sufficient cause to re- 
member it. 

If we could conceal our trail,” remarked Irene, 
“ I wauld not feel that fear which torments 
me. 

‘‘ We cannot leave many signs in this flinty 
earth.” 

Enough to guide them as well as if they saw 

us.” 

‘‘ When it comes to that, as I said before, we 
have horses which are surely able to run as well 
as any of the rascally tribe.” 

‘‘ I know that and yet I cannot.” — 

Irene suddenly paused with a gasp of alarm. 

“What’s the matter?” breathlessly asked Nat. 

Something is following us/^ replied his com- 
panion, in a hoarse whisper. 

Nat wheeled as quick as lightning in his saddle 
and peered into the darkness behind him. 

“Do you see anything?” asked Irene. 


192 


:tfATHAN TODD. 


“Yes; there is something, but I believe it’s only 
a hungry wolf; I just now saw it trot backwards 
out of sight.” 

“ Thank heaven ! the rustle of every bush dis- 
turbs me. I am glad that it is nothing more than 
a wild animal.” 

“ You are frightened too easily ; you should 
>> 

“ — sh! there it is again, in front of us. Look! 
do you see it ? ” 

A shadow crossed their path, making long, bound- 
ing leaps, as if cantering in sport. 

“ He is probably hungry, and imagines if he cuts 
up some fancy capers for us, we’ll make him a 
present of something to eat.” 

“ He surely acts strange. I should think he 
would make some noise.” 

They conversed still, their horses walking rapidly 
and breaking into a canter when a level portion was 
reached. The supposed wolf kept pace with them 
sometimes whisking so close to their horses’ heads 
as to startle them and then disappearing down the 
river-bank. Nat regarded his actions as eccentric, 
and had no objection to them so long as he re- 
frained from bringing any of his companions to 


:SfATHA:S[ TODD, 


193 


him. He could not help noticing the alarm of his 
fair companion. When the wolf appeared un- 
usually close she started as much as her animal, 
and kept her gaze wandering continually as if 
searching for the dreaded brute. 

''What time of night do you suppose it is?’^ 
asked Nat, in hope of diverting her thoughts. 

" I wish that thing would keep away,’' she re- 
plied, without heeding his question. 

" Are you alarmed ? ” 

" I do not feel at ease as long as that is wheeling 
around us so strangely.” 

" I will set you at ease in a minute, then.” 

Nat cocked his rifle, and held it ready to fire the 
instant the thing appeared. In a moment he saw 
it tumbling like a dark bundle a few yards in 
advance. He brought his gun to his shoulder, took 
as good aim as the circumstances would permit, 
and fired. 

The supposed wolf instantly rose on his hind- 
legs, gave vent to a blood-chilling yell, at the same 
second that a tomahawk whizzed within a few inches 
of Nat’s eyes. Then it shot away like a meteor 
and disappeared in the darkness. 

‘‘ Jerusalem ! that’s the queerest wolf I ever fired 



194 


NATHAN TODD, 


at. Who knowed he carried concealed weapons 
ibout him/^ remarked Nat, after the first pause of 
astonishment. 

‘‘ It was the Indian who watched me. He has 
followed us,’^ whispered Irene. 

If I had had the slightest idea that wolf walked 
on two legs instead of four, I’d have taken more 
pains with my aim than I did, and done something 
more than just to lame him a bit. But, Ireny, that’s a 
queer way for an Indian to do. What do you make 
of it?” 

“ I know not why he did it, unless he intended 
to wait until we stopped, and then hurry back to 
some of his companions and attack us.” 

“ My gracious ! he might have shot me a dozen 
times, and I never knowed it until he hit me. Only 
think how he has been sneaking round us, and 
we talking all the time and not dreaming who he 
was.” 

“ He had nothing with him, or he would have 
shot you. His object was only to watch us. I 
guess he was hurt pretty badly.” 

Not enough to prevent his getting back, and 
bringing a lot of the imps on our trail. I tell you, 
Irene, we must get over ground faster than this. 


^^ATHAHJ TODD, 


195 

I wasn’t scar’t much before this wolf affair. I 
didn’t believe the dogs had any idea that Nat Todd 
was still above the ground. The way that one 
throwed his tomahawk at my head showed that he 
was pretty certain I wasn’t there yet.” 

Both horses struck into a canter, which gait was 
kept until daylight. Only then they ceased through 
fear of being overtasked. Nat reined in close to 
the river-bank, just as the sun rose over the prairie. 
Their animals were magnificent ones, of wonderful 
speed and bottom; but the long ride had sensibly 
fatigued them, and it was a wise course to give 
them a couple of hours’ rest. Despite the romantic 
situation in which Nat found himself — with the 
care of the being who had visited his dreams for 
over a year — the happy owner of a love so great as 
to bring a scornful laugh when the thought of 
Sarah Almina in Maine happened to come to him — 
the victim of a tormenting fear of pursuit — despite 
all these, we repeat, the mo!5t pressing trouble was 
his appetite! He had fasted a long time, and re- 
marked to his companion that he must secure some- 
thing pretty soon, or he should be tempted to eat 
her! Leaving her with the horses, he wandered 
down the river-bank, and was fortunate enough 


NATHAN TODD. 


196 

to bring down a fat duck that rose from the water's 
edge. With this he hastened back to Irene, who, 
with his flint and steel, had already kindled a fire. 
The duck was soon picked, dressed, skewered, 
roasted and eaten — he, good-naturedly, compelling 
his fair charge to feast to her utmost upon it. 
During the halt, the horses had cropped their full, 
and were well prepared to resume their toilsome 
march. The two remounted and struck off to- 
ward the south, hoping to accomplish a long dis- 
tance ere nightfall. 

When about five miles further upon their journey 
Nat's horse trod upon a rolling stone, and stumbled. 
As he recovered himself he limped badly, and 
dropped into a painful walk. Nat dismounted, and, 
upon examining it, saw with unfeigned alarm that 
the ankle was sprained. The horse could be of no 
further use to him. 

‘‘ Let him rest a moment," said Irene, and we 
will ride slowly." 

Hoping he might be deceived, Nat let the horse 
rest a short time; but, upon starting him, the in- 
jured leg was found to be still worse. 

It's no use," he said ; “ the longer he stands the 
worse he will get. He must be let alone to himself. 


AT HAN TODD. 


197 


He will be able to get enough grass to keep him 
alive. He can’t do us any more good. Go ahead, 
Irene, and I will walk beside you.” 

This misfortune affected his companion greatly. 
She urged Nat to take her own horse, even offering 
to dismount herself if he deemed the load too great ; 
but, of course, this offer was declined, the excuse 
being that the entire strength and wind of her 
animal would be needed for her own safety. 

‘‘ But if pursued ? ” she asked. 

You can get away, at least.” 

“ And what will become of you ? ” 

Heaven bless your sweet soul, I wouldn’t mind 
dying for you, to show you how much I love — I 
think of you. But don’t be frightened, Ireny, for 
I tell you that trapper is about, and will turn up 
somewhere at the right minute.” 

My horse surely is able to carry us both.” 

“ Well, my dear, when it comes to the worst, 
perhaps I’ll mount beside you and try the bottom 
he seems to possess; but, as it is. I’ll try walking 
a while. I declare, I shouldn’t like anything better 
than a ten-mile tramp, just for exercise. Such a 
walk ought to have been taken before.” 

Thus pacified, Irene consented to Nat’s plan, 


NATHAN TODD, 


198 

keeping her horse on a walk, in the face of his 
urgent request that he should proceed faster. He 
left his horse where he had failed, his trappings 
with him. He had some hope that, if pursued, the 
chase would be given up as useless when it was 
discovered how well-mounted the fugitives were. 
He knew, however, that if the disabled horse was 
found, their enemies would press on with renewed 
diligence. Another probability, upon which he 
based, perhaps, his strongest hope, was, that the 
start obtained would afford them time to reach 
Lewis river, along whose banks there was good 
reason to expect emigrants at this season of the 
year. 

We might, with justice, say, that the time passed 
pleasantly to Nat. There was just enough ex- 
ercise to give a zest to his conversation, and he 
kept up a continuous stream of talk. He went over 
the whole history of his adventures since leaving 
Maine, not omitting a promise he gave a New York 
publisher to furnish him with an account of his 
travels, upon his return to civilization. He believed 
his experience was worth giving the world, and 
expressed his determination to do it as soon as he 
was settled down and married. As he uttered the 


:tfATHAN TODD. 


199 


last word, he stole a sly glance from under the 
corner of his hat at Irene to see the effect produced. 
She appeared interested in what he said, but nothing 
beyond that. Then he related a long story about 
Sarah Almina in Lubec, adding emphatically that he 
never thought anything of her, and she was only fit 
for such a fellow as Bill Hankins. Had Irene 
Merment been educated in civilized society, she could 
have easily read the simple heart of Nat Todd, and 
comprehended exactly the situation in which he must 
have once stood with the lady that so excited his 
ire; but the guileless being little dreamt the truth. 
The pointed, palpable hits of admiration — in fact, 
of love — from him, were entirely lost upon her. 
Her silence was taken for acquiescence, and Nat 
grew bolder and bolder, until he found Irene 
staring wonderingly at him, totally at a loss to 
understand his meaning. Fearful, then, that he 
had gone too far, he blushed finely, coughed 
loudly, and stammered foolishly. It might have 
been that she had an inkling of what lay at the 
bottom of his words, but she betrayed it by no 
word or action. 

At intetvals, Irene swept the entire horizon, on 
the alert for any suspicious sign, and it was 


200 


AT HAN TODD. 


not probable that her trained eyes would fail to 
detect the approach of danger. The excitement of 
her new situation, the thrilling hope, the agonizing 
fear, almost unnerved her. For a long time she 
would calm down and listen attentively to Nat's 
words, and then suddenly start and glance around 
her, alarmed at her remissness of duty* 

At noon, when they halted for a short rest, she 
took a searching look, as usual, behind her, and 
Nat noticed that she started, and continued her 
gaze an extraordinary length of time. 

“ Do you see anything to alarm you ? " he asked. 

“ There is a buffalo or horseman in the distance. 
Look away yonder, where the sky seems to touch 
the prairie." 

The slight elevation she had, aided by her pow- 
erful vision, gave her a better view than Nat; 
but the latter, after following the direction of her 
finger, and straining his orbs, detected a small, 
quivering speck, in relief against the blue horizon. 
It was like a star seen at noonday, difficult to find in 
the field of vision, but perfectly distinct when dis- 
covered. It was certainly approaching, as it vis- 
ibly increased in size and clearness. 

What do you make of it ? " she asked. 


-NATHA-N TODD, 


201 


‘‘ My gracious ! I can’t see anything but a spot.” 

" It’s a man riding on a full run ; and, I fear, the 
Indian who troubled us last night.” 

‘‘ My gun is loaded, pretty near to the muzzle,” 
remarked Nat, shutting one eye and squinting 
into the barrel, and if that wolf in Indian’s cloth- 
ing, or that Indian in wolf’s clothing, gets within 
hailing distance, he’ll imagine a thunderbolt 
smashed against his forehead and exploded. No 
danger of any missing this time.” 

“ Be ready, for I cannot see how it can be avoided. 
He is fearless, and does not slacken the speed of his 
horse in the least.” 

'' Don’t be frightened, Ireny, for I’ll fight till 
death for you.” 

He gave her a look of honest, devoted love, and 
for the first time Nat saw a deep tinge suffuse her 
face to the temples. His heart throbbed wildly, 
and he felt able to vanquish a whole tribe of 
screaming Indians. 

Meanwhile the horseman was rapidly approach- 
ing, and the gaze of our two friends was fixed 
upon him with the most intense anxiety. Nigher 
and nigher he came, until Nat cocked his rifle and 
held it ready for instant use. Suddenly he smiled. 


202 


NATHAN TODD. 


let the hammer down again, and remarked to 
Irene : 

‘‘ Bill Bidden ! as sure as you^re the finest crea- 
ture in the universe/’ 


NATHAN TODD. 


203 


CHAPTER XIL 

WHICH ENDS THE TALE. 

The trapper approached on a rapid canter, and, 
when within hailing distance, shouted: 

“ What you waitin' for ? " 

‘'Why, you," returned Nat. 

There's no time to stop! the imps are on your 
tracks ! " 

“ Where ? how do you know this ? " 

“ I see'd 'em gitten' ready, and I started out 
ahead of 'em last night." 

“ Will they overtake us ? What will be the end 
of this, Biddon?" asked Nat, in a lower tone, as 
the trapper rode up. 

“ There’ll be some ha’r-raising done, sure.” 

“ Jerusalem ! ” yelled our hero, springing in the 
air, "why don’t you get ripping mad, Biddon? I 
never swore in my life, but it seems it would be a 


204 


NATHAH^ TODD. 


relief to, now. What is going to become of that 
lovely maiden there ? 

She needn't be tuk — her horse can't be cotched 
by any four-pegged animal." 

During this brief conversation Irene sat silent. 
Her agitation had given way to a settled calmness. 
She was pale and bloodless, but a strong resolution 
seemed to sustain her soul. Biddon, as Nat uttered 
the last remark, glanced at her a moment, and then, 
leaning over his saddle, motioned for Nat to come 
nigher. 

See 'yer, Todd, get on my boss and put 
with that gal. I'll cover your trail and keep 
them painted imps behind till you're out the 

reach " 

‘‘ How?" 

By droppin' a pill among 'em, and ef it comes 
to clus quarters, pitch in and go under in glorious 
style. Come, Todd, you're young, and love that 
gal. The days for sich feelin's has passed with 
Bill Biddon. Come, hop on and be off." 

“Never!" repeated Nat, stepping back, and 
uttering the sentiments of his very soul. “ You’ve 
saved my life more than once. Bill Biddon, and if 
I ever take advantage of you, may the Just One 
above strike me dead in my tracks ! " 


NATHAN TODD. 


205 


It may seem a contradiction to our readers for 
us to represent Nat Todd, at the commencement of 
his published career, as guilty of timidity, if not 
sometimes cowardice, and to picture him as pos- 
sessed of the most genuine courage, as we have 
above, and in other instances in these pages. But, 
in doing so, we are confident we have done no 
violation to his true character. It is a question with 
many whether he who lacks in bravery can ever rid 
himself of his deficiency — many affirming it to be a 
defect which, being inborn, will ever cling to a 
person. While there is strong reason for this view 
of the case, it must be remembered that the bravest 
. have manifested fear at the dawm of danger. The 
man who turns pale at the commencement of battle 
is the most valiant soldier. It is the newness of 
danger that alarms the courageous. Could a man 
who is known in civilized society as a true hero be 
removed to the midst of a vast wilderness, where he 
had the wily Indian to encounter, his timidity 
would be mistaken for the most contemptible cow- 
ardice; and yet, in all probability, the same man 
would afterward distinguish himself by his deeds 
of daring. At the first appearance of peril, Nat 
Todd was apt to shrink, and as long as it was not 


2o6 


NATHAN TODD. 


criminality to retreat, he would do so. There was a 
spice of shrewdness in his character, and, while 
still a tyro in the western wilds, there is no dis- 
guising the fact of his timidity ; but his long 
acquaintanceship with Indian life, together with 
his love of adventure, made him in some cases 
even reckless. The magnanimous conduct of Biddon 
had strengterened his admiration into the sincerest 
friendship, and there is no sacrifice that Nat would 
not have willingly made for him. This was why he 
repelled his offer most emphatically. 

The trapper, after this decided refusal, dropped 
his head a moment as if in meditation. 

Are we not losing time ? ” gently reminded 
Irene. 

‘‘Yes, we ar’. Nat, Vd like to walk some. Jist 
get on and ride.’’ 

“ I shan’t do it, Biddon ; so don’t say any more 
about it. I would as lief walk or run a dozen 
miles more as not. I understand what you are at, 
but it won’t do.” 

“ Ef you had a boss ” 

“ He give out, several miles back.” 

“ I know ; I found him and feared the imps 
would come onto him. So I led him down to the 


l^ATHAl^ TODD, 


207 


river, put a bullet between his eyes, tied a big 
stone round his neck, and tumbled him into deep 
water, whar you'll have to hunt a while to find 
him." 

“ Let us go on, Biddon, for every minute seems 
a mile lost. What do you propose to do ? " 

‘‘ Thar's no use of cuttin' round the stump ; 
thar's got to be a fight made. 'Bout two miles 
further ahead thar's a place whar we'll strike camp 
and make a stand. The gal might get off, while we 
stayed to fight, but it wouldn't do to trust her. 
Ef we should go under, she'd be distracted and 
wouldn't know what to do. Ef she had a rifle we'd 
stand a better chance. Howsumever, it's no use 
talkin'; so, let's move." 

Our friends moved forward at a rapid walk, 
Biddon conversing, and imparting to Irene and 
Nat the course he intended to pursue. He had 
left the latter, it will be remembered, in the ravine. 
In doing so, it was his intention to convey to Irene, 
by some means or other, his presence in the wood, 
and return to Nat by the time he awoke. But he 
was compelled to maneuver the whole forenoon 
around the village before he succeeded, and it was 
only then by a most fortunate accident. Near 


2o8 


2^ATHAjS[ TODD. 


night Irene found opportunity to steal to the wood 
for a moment. But this movement, guarded as it 
was, did not escape the eagle-eyes of the Indians. 
Such a step upon the part of Irene at any other 
time would have been scarcely noticed; but, after 
what had transpired, they suspected everything. 
Irene was stealthily followed, and it was only by the 
most consummate skill that the trapper avoided a 
collision with them. Their watchfulness did not 
escape him, and it was for this reason he remained 
behind. The confusion, occasioned by the dis- 
covery and pursuit of the Indian scout, afforded 
Irene an opportunity of getting the horses men- 
tioned to the rendezvous. Just at dusk, Biddon 
visited this spot, secured one of the horses, and 
withdrew into the recesses of the forest. He lin- 
gered in the rear until nearly morning, when he 
saw, unmistakably, that her flight had been dis- 
covered and a pursuit was preparing. He started 
on the trail of the two fugitives at once, and, 
by dint of hard riding, overtook them, as men- 
tioned. 

‘‘ Yonder,’^ said Biddon, pointing ahead, is 
the place whar the stand must be made. Yas, 


NATHA2^ TODD. 


209 


A half-hour’s ride brought them to the spot ; and, 
as it is necessary (in order to understand what 
follows) for the reader to have an idea of the 
situation of our friends, we must pause a moment 
to describe it. 

The spot chosen was on the open prairie, a 
quarter of a mile distant from the wooded bottom 
of the river which they had hitherto followed. 
This location was selected by the trapper in order 
to avoid any concealment which might shelter 
their enemies. They could only approach over an 
open, plain, where they would be targets for two 
rifles. Here our friends commenced at once to 
construct a fort. Indeed, from the appearance of 
things, it was not at all improbable that the ma- 
terials they used had answered that purpose before. 
There were some twenty or thirty huge boulders 
lying in an irregular circle. The best idea of their 
location and size can be given, by supposing a butte 
(a vast, towering rock) to have split in over a score 
of pieces, with force just sufficient to lay them 
twenty feet from the center. 

The prodigious strength of Biddon, assisted by 
Nat, soon completed the circle. The rocks were 
rolled together, the chinks filled in with smaller 


210 


NATHAN TODD, 


fragments, so as to afford no entrance for a stray 
bullet or arrow. When the fort was completed, it 
was found that a breastwork averaging about four 
feet in height was afforded. Behind this they could 
kneel and fire with deadly aim. The rocks whose 
immense weight prevented their lifting them to 
the top were rolled against the base, and, viewed 
from the outside, the little citadel presented no in- 
significant appearance. 

The trapper’s next step was to take the two 
horses and lead them far out on the prairie, de- 
scribing an arc of a vast circle, and then approach 
the river-bottom at a point below the fort, that 
is toward the mouth of the river. Here he rode 
one into the river, leading the other, and waded 
them several hundred yards down-stream, when 
he came ashore, and, securing them both, made his 
way back on a run. The object of this movement 
was to preserve the use of the animals to them- 
selves. If their trail should be followed by the 
Indians, it would mislead them at the point of 
entrance into the water, and the presence of the 
whites would prevent any extended search being 
made. Biddon did not forget to fill a small, pecul- 
iar canteen, which he ever carried about him, from 
the river. 


lilATHAl^ TODD, 


211 


‘‘Thar’s no tellin’ how long we’ll be cooped-up 
thar, b’ars and beavers ef there is, and the stuff 
can’t do no hurt,” he remarked to himself. 

As he bounded over the boulders before Irene 
and Nat, who were conversing rather earnestly 
just then, his eye flashed with the fire of youth, 
and his heart throbbed faster than was its wont; 
for he felt he was shortly to engage in one of those 
struggles of life and death in which he had so 
reveled in years agone. 

“ Biddon,” observed Nat, rather thoughtfully, 
I cannot help thinking we might have improved 
our time better in flight. We could have made a 
long distance, it seems, and reached a point where 
these savages would not dare to fall on us.” 

“ Todd/’ replied Biddon, with a quiet half-smile, 
when I first knowed you I used to call you 
‘ Greeny,’ and I sometimes thinks it’s yer best 
handle yit. Howsumever, it’s as plain as that ha’r 
on your upper lip — which can’t be see’d very well 
— that you don’t understand the ways of redskins 
yet. They’d have follered us fur days, and over- 
taken us at a place whar we wouldn’t have had a 
tree, rock or lump of earth to cover us, and 
they would have wiped every one of us out. 


212 


NATHAN TODD, 


Them imps/' added the trapper, speaking in a 
whisper, and fixing his eyes upon those of our hero, 
them imps, sir, will be in sight in less nor a half- 
hour!" 

Nat recoiled at these words, and they did not 
escape the ear of Irene, who only turned a shade 
paler, and compressed her thin, bloodless lips. It 
was now near the middle of the afternoon, and the 
glances of Biddon toward the west showed that he 
expected the appearance of danger every moment. 
At intervals, he mounted the rocky wall of their 
fortress, and, shading his eyes with his hand, looked 
long and searchingly in the distance. Some twenty 
minutes passed thus, when, while standing upon 

the wall, he turned toward Irene 

“ See 'yer, my little duck, them peepers of yourn 
can take in a bigger stretch of perarie than Bill 
Biddon's; so jist come this way and take a squint 
off yender. Thar's 'sign,' ef I ain't most power- 
ful mistook." 

He stooped and lifted Irene in his brawny arms 
as if she were an infant. He then seated her upon 
his shoulder, with about as much effort as he would 
have raised his rifle there, and said : 

" Now take a squint, sich as you kin." 


:t^ATHAl^ TODD. 


213 


My gracious ! ain’t she lovely ? ” remarked 
Nat, in an undertone. Just view that white face, 
them black eyes, gazing way off yonder, them 
magnificent plumes, and her black hair rising and 
falling in this soft wind — jest see her sitting 
there, Nat Todd, I say, like a heavenly bird 
that has perched on the old trapper’s shoulder. 
Jerusalem ! only imagine how Almina will feel 
when I bring her home with me — that is if I ever 
get there.” 

Let me down,” she said to Biddon. 

'' See nothin’ ? ” 

‘‘ They are coming ! Look, you can see them.” 

‘‘ Ya-s s-i-r ! ” slowly repeated Biddon, as he 
looked again. ‘‘ Them’s them, sure, and they’re 
ridin’ as though they didn’t know they war has- 
tenin’ to destruction. See ’yer,” he added, re- 
moving his gaze to his two companions, ‘‘ it’s time 
we understood how things is goin’ to be managed, 
so ril make my speech. You see the upper part of 
that rock stickin’ out thar, my little duck? Wal, 
as you happens to have no shooter about you, and 
will only be in the way, you may crawl in under 
thar, and keep snug and clus. None of thar arrers 
or bullets will be apt to touch your purty noddle.” 


214 


NATHAN TODD. 


Irene hesitated a moment before complying; but, 
as it was plainly the best course she could adopt, 
she obeyed. Nat and Biddon had purposely ar- 
ranged a corner of their fortress so as to shelter 
her, and it answered its end admirably. T^iey 
added, as an extra caution, that she should not look 
out or expose herself until told to, and of course 
to all this she promised a willing obedience. 

'' Now,'' added the trapper, in a husky voice, the 
nearest approach he could make to a whisper, ‘‘ we 
must understand the case," as they say down in the 
settlements. Ef there's to be any hailin' or talkin', 
I'll do it. Ef they make a dash for us, we'll blaze 
away together and draw knives and at them. But 
you must never bark with your shooter at the 
same time I does, or they'll ride in afore we ken 
load. I'll pick out each mark fur yer, and you 
mustn't shoot any pipe-stems or scorch my ear 
agin." 

‘‘ How'd you know I shot my gun that time ? " 
asked Nat, in amazement. 

Biddon gave his usual quiet smile, and replied : 

‘‘ I didn't know it then, Todd, or I'm af eared 
I'd 've scorched you. But after I got up among 
them Hudson-Bay fellers. I got to thinkin' 'bout 


NATHAN TODD. 


215 

it, and wondered how I was sich a fool as to think 
any of them sperits done it. Howsumever, that ain’t 
hyer nor there; we’re in fur a knock-down fight 
this time. As I said, you must never fire till I tell 
you; don’t show your head, and keep your peepers 
peeled. Them redskins are cornin’ along purty 
well,” he added, in a matter-of-fact tone. 

That they were coming along pretty well was 
self-evident. They were only a mile or two away, 
and were riding promiscuously, their principal ob- 
ject being to get ahead as fast as possible. Their 
plumes could be seen rising and falling, and their 
gaudy dress flaunting in the wind. Nat and Bid- 
don were crouched in under their breastwork, 
their rifle-muzzles just protruding from the loop- 
holes, and their eyes watching every motion over 
the gleaming barrels. 

Onward galloped the Indians, without abating 
their speed in the least until within a furlong, 
when they suddenly reined up at sight of the curi- 
ous-looking fortress before them. Their looks and 
gestures showed their suspicions to be aroused 
concerning it. Their hands were frequently ex- 
tended toward it, and their guttural words could now 
and then be heard. As they stood thus. Bidden 


2I6 


NATHAN TODD. 


carefully noted the appearance of each. There 
were seven well mounted, two of whom were 
furnished with rifles, which weapons they rendered 
as conspicuous as possible. The Indian who seemed 
to take the lead was furnished with a flowing mantle 
which streamed over his horse as he careered over 
the prairie. Each was daubed in war-paint; and, 
take them all in all, they were a savage, villainous- 
looking set, whose malignity shone in their basilisk 
eyes. They surveyed the rocks a few moments, and 
scattered in different directions over the prairie, care- 
fully avoiding to approach any closer. 

‘‘ Slip to t’other side,” whispered Bidden, ‘‘ and 
keep your shooter ready, but don’t pull the trigger 
till I tell you.” 

The Indians now commenced circling around 
the little fort, separating and wheeling until they 
had completely surrounded it. 

How many do you make ? ” asked the trapper. 

“ I haven’t counted them,” replied Nat, but I 
should suppose there are about seventy-five.” 

“Wagh! jist seven; ef we hadn’t the gal with 
us, I wouldn’t like better fun than wipin’ them out. 
Keep docile, and I’ll draw bead on ’em soon.” 

Although the fugitives had carefully concealed 


217-218 




NATHAN TODD, 


219 

themselves, the Indians were not to be deceived. 
Their wheelings and turnings were like the 
gyrations of birds in the air, and finally a couple 
of arrows were sent into the fort ; but it brought no 
response from those within. A couple of savages 
started at full gallop, as if to ride over the breast- 
work, but were careful to hold up before they 
reached it. 

Suddenly they came together in a knot on the 
eastern side, and, halting a moment, dashed away 
with a loud yell. 

‘'Good!'^ exclaimed Nat, ‘‘they think we 
ain't here, and have gone on. We will get away 
yet." 

“ You're green yet, Todd. Don't you understand 
thar deviltry? They've purtended that, jist to draw 
us out. It riles me considerable, I allow, fur 'em 
to take Bill Biddon to be sich a fool. I'll drop 
one of 'em for that insult ef they don't do nothin' 
else." 

“ All at once their enemies wheeled, and, giving 
another yell, came at full gallop toward the fugi- 
tives. 

“ Another trick,” admonished the trapper. 
** Keep your fire ; they'll stop in a minute." 


220 


:NATHAN TODD. 


So it proved — ^the Indians reining up while still 
at a good distance, and repeating their maneuvers 
as before. This was continued for nearly an hour, 
when, losing patience, the war was commenced by 
the redskins. Coming up within several hundred 
yards, they again separated and commenced riding 
backward and forward at different points, display- 
ing, while they did so, some of the finest horseman- 
ship in the world. They leaned over upon the side 
of their animals opposite the whites in such a man- 
ner that nothing but the point of their feet was 
visible over the horse’s back, and in this disposition 
discharged their arrows and the two rifles, either 
under the animaTs neck or belly. As the latter 
turned in their circuit, their skillful riders dropped 
to the other side as quick as thought. 

’ Tis an old game, but a dangerous one,” re- 
marked the trapper. “ I’ve seen the Comanches of 
the south use the same trick, and, say what they 
will, it’s a nasty one. Thar’s so many of ’em at 
it, we must stop ’em. Yas, sir.” 

A perfect storm of arrows rained in upon the 
whites, and their situation, at most, was a perilous 
one. It was by no means impossible that they should 
be struck, protected as well as they were. 


NATHAN TODD. 


221 


‘‘Todd!^’ called Bidden, in a whisper. 

‘‘ Well, what do you wish ? ’’ 

“ ’ Tis an old game, as I said afore, they’re tryin’, 
and must be stopped. I war in such a scrape as 
this when I was summat younger nor now. ’Twas 
down in what they call In jin Territory. Me and a 
chap got cooped up, with the heathen firin’ thar 
pizened arrers at us, and never givin’ us a chance to 
see ’em, floppin’ over thar bosses like that. How- 
sumever, we come up to ’em. Thar’s two or three 
six)ts in a boss whar this rifle of mine will send a 
bullet through slick and clean, and give the imp his 
last sickness on t’other side. ’Tain’t every one as 
can do it, ’cause they’re purty sure to strike a bone. 
But hyer goes.” 

The trapper followed the motions of one of the 
horses for a moment and then fired. The frenzied 
beast, with a wild snort, bounded high in the air, 
falling backward and crushing his mortally- 
wounded rider beneath him. 

“ I haven’t forgot the spot,” Biddon remarked, 
with an exulting sound like the click of his gun in 
his throat. “ I haven’t forgot the spot, and I’ll 
try the same thing again.” 

His weapon was reloaded in an incredibly short 


222 


l^ATHA^ TODD. 


Space of time and pointed through the same loop- 
hole. But this unexpected demonstration made the 
Indians more cautious. They immediately re- 
treated, leaving their fallen comrade and horse 
doubled up together. Before they had reached 
a safe distance, the fatal rifle of the trapper 
sounded again as an incautious enemy exposed his 
back, and the latter tumbled headlong from his 
animal. 

Five left,” he laughed, as he proceeded to load 
his gun. Keep quiet, Todd, and you’ll have a 
chance.” 

“ It’s getting along toward night, Biddon ; what 
will you do then ? ” 

‘‘ Wait till sundown comes.” 

The Indians, after consulting a few minutes, 
rode away a half-mile, when they disappeared in the 
river-bottom. 

‘‘ What does that mean,” asked Nat. 

‘‘ They’re goin’ to lay off till dark and fix on 
some devilish trick. You can talk a while to the gal, 
for thar’s no fear of thar showin’ themselves in 
reach of this shooter for a while. Hold on now, 
Biddon, you dog,” muttered the trapper to himself. 

Thar’s a splendid ha’r-raise for yer.” 


223-224 



“ The exulting trapper gave a defiant yell, holding the 

gory trophy aloft!^ 



NATHAN TODD, 


225 


Dropping his gun and drawing his knife, he 
leaped over the breast-work and ran out upon the 
prairie to the spot where the first savage had fallen. 
Here he stooped and scalped the dead savage, and, 
v/hile thus engaged, the report of a rifle was heard 
in the river-bottom. The Indians witnessed this 
deed, which they could not prevent, and had fired 
at him. The exulting trapper gave a defiant yell, 
and, holding the gory trophy aloft, made his way 
back to shelter on a slow walk. 

'' Ef they hadn't toted ofiF t'other varmint. I'd 
had his top-knot too," he remarked, as he stepped 
into the fort again. 

Night was slowly settling over the prairie, and 
a few clouds were rolling up from the west. There 
was to be a faint moon, which was already in the 
sky. 

I hope 'twill be dark as a wolf's mouth," said 
Biddon ; ‘‘ ef it is, we'll outwit the heathen, sure. 
Yas, sir." 

‘‘ If these clouds out yonder sail across the moon's 
face, you'll have your wish, Biddon, I think." 

“How does the little gal stand it?" he asked, 
looking down at Irene, who had withdrawn from 
her concealment, and was seated near him. 


226 


NATHAIf TODD, 


'' I am not much frightened, but I do dread 
falling into their hands again. I am sure they 
would kill me if I did.'’ 

‘‘ Don't be scar't — don't be scar't, my little one ; 
they'll have to trample over Bill Biddon, and, I 
reckon, another chap, afore they reach your purty 
little pictur'." 

The truest words you ever said," responded 
Nat, warmly. 

Three hours passed without any incident occur- 
ring worthy of being mentioned. By this time it 
was well into the night. The clouds spoken of 
were slowly floating before the moon, rendering 
the darkness exceedingly variable — sometimes so 
great as to prevent our friends from distinguish- 
ing each other's forms; at other times a partial 
view of the prairie, for twenty or thirty yards, was 
obtained. Biddon had occupied himself in passing 
stealthily around the interior of the fort, to prevent 
the insidious approach .of his enemies. A detached 
conversation was continued for a time in under- 
tones, but the apprehensions of each finally kept all 
silent. Before night set in, Biddon proposed mak- 
ing no attempt to escape until the second night; 
but, from some cause, changed his mind. He 


'NATHA:tiI TODD. 


227 

affirmed that they must get off that night, or their 
case would be beyond hope. 

Once or twice, when the light favored, a dusky 
horseman was seen carefully reconnoitering their 
position; and, by placing the ear to the ground, 
the footfalls of their animals could be heard. They 
were evidently circling around the fugitives, to 
prevent their making off in the darkness. This 
was continued so steadily and so long, as to satisfy 
the trapper that their enemies intended to keep 
them besieged until nature would compel them 
to give in; and, as they would naturally expect 
the whites to remain in concealment as long as 
possible, their watch would be closer each succeed- 
ing night. This was why Biddon came to the de- 
termination to make the attempt upon the present 
night. 

Nat, having received permission to fire at any- 
thing that offered, discharged his gun at a dusky 
object which flitted to view in the distance; but 
with what effect he could not tell, as no yell or 
tramp of feet succeeded it. A half-hour after, the 
moon shone through a rift in the clouds, and re- 
vealed to the astonished gaze of our friends a 
solitary horse, facing them, not more than fifty 


228 


NATHAN TODD, 


yards distant. He stood like a statue, and was 
without a rider. When the moonlight was ob- 
scured again, his outline could be still distinguished, 
standing as motionless as before. Biddon was 
unable to fully comprehend the meaning of this 
singular apparition, but it only served to render 
him doubly cautious. While still wondering, he 
felt a touch upon his arm, and looking around, 
distinguished the pale, terror-stricken face of Irene 
looking up in his own. 

‘'There is some one just outside the fort!’’ she 
whispered. " I heard him move ! 

The trapper nodded, and motioned her to re- 
gain her concealment. On his hands and knees he 
passed around the area of the fort, listening at 
every inch, until his wonderful skill enabled him 
to locate his enemy. A savage, he was satisfied, 
was crouching under cover of one of the boulders 
on the outside. Waving his hand for the amazed 
Nat to maintain a perfect silence, he laid his rifle 
softly upon the ground, drew his knife and gathered 
his strength for a spring. His leap was similar 
to that which a deer makes to pass a high fence — 
a sort of sidelong bound, with an agility which 
carried him over like a cat. His calculation was 


NATHA:tiI TODD. 


229 


incredibly exact, for he literally came down upon 
the shoulders of the unsuspecting Indian. A grip 
— a short struggle — a groan and a gasp, and the 
trapper bounded back again into the fort with 
another ghastly scalp at his girdle. 

'' He’s done for,” he chuckled. 

Isn’t that his horse still standing yonder ? ” 
asked Nat. 

Biddon looked toward the point indicated, and 
saw that the animal remained in the same motion- 
less attitude. He paused an instant, then stepped 
lightly upon the prairie again, and ran rapidly to- 
ward the horse. The animal probably mistook him 
for his Indian master, for he made no resistance 
or motion to flee. Biddon seized his bridle and led 
him forward to the fort. 

'' Todd ! ” he hurriedly called, ‘‘ step out ’yer, 
quick!” 

‘‘ What’s wanting ? ” asked that person, bound- 
ing beside him. 

‘‘The time to travel ar come. That In jin I jist 
now rubbed out is the one with that big blanket 
flyin’ over his shoulder; this ar his horse. Git on 
him, throw his blanket over yer neck, take the gal 
behind yer, and cover her up with it, and put. 


230 


AT HAN TODD. 


They'll take yer fur that chap stiffened out thar, 
and when you get clar of 'em go down the bottom 
whar I left t'other bosses; you'll then have one 
apiece, and put like blazes, and you'll give 'em 
the slip." 

‘‘And you?" 

“Never mind me; I'll foller you soon. Irene, 
this way, quick ! " 

The maiden was by his side in an instant. She 
had heard his plan and understood it. Nat was 
given to rebel, at first, at leaving his companion 
in the rear, but the latter was imperative, and 
threatened to shoot him if he hesitated. 

“ Hug him close," he cautioned Irene, “ and let 
that blanket swing over yer; and, Todd, make a 
few circles round like, so as to blind thar eyes, and 
when yer get cla'r of their sight, do what you war 
told to." 

A moment after, Nat Todd was cantering over 
the prairie on the dead Indian's horse, with Irene 
clinging to him. He distinguished several horse- 
men, riding on a walk, after getting out of sight 
of the fort, and, to deceive them, followed Biddon's 
advice — imitating their movements, and gradually 
edging away from them, until, seeing the coast 


NATHAN TODD, 


231 


clear, he made a straight line to the river-bottom. 
The whinny of Irene’s horse, as they entered, guided 
their search to the two animals left there by the 
trapper. Irene mounted her own animal, leaving 
the other for Bidden, and she and Nat once more 
struck to the eastward on a rapid gallop. 

The trapper listened to the receding steps of the 
horse which bore the two away from the fort, and 
did not change his position until they were beyond 
hearing, and, as he well judged, had succeeded 
perfectly with the stratagem. 

’Twas a good trick,” he muttered ; ‘‘ but ef it 
hadn’t been for the gal. Bill Biddon wouldn’t have 
allowed ’em to do it. It would have lost too fine 
a chance for a ha’r-raise. B’ars and beavers, it 
would!” 

He commenced debating his own chances of 
escape. Now that the others were safe, his 
greatest care was gne ; but it would not have 
been characteristic of the man had he neglected 
his own. A few minutes’ thought decided his 
course. 

The dead Indian was lifted in his arms and 
carried to the spot where his horse was first seen. 
Here he was stretched flat upon his back, and his 


232 


NATHAN TODD. 


limbs straightened. Bidden, deeming Nat had gone 
far enough to risk a discovery, gave a loud whoop 
and retreated within the fort. 

In a few moments two savages rode cautiously 
toward the spot from which the sound had ema- 
nated. They reconnoitered the dead body a moment, 
but finally approached. A careful examination 
followed, revealing the alarming fact that their 
comrade had not fallen by a bullet, but by the knife 
of their enemy. To have done this, of course the 
struggle must have occurred at this spot upon the 
prairie, and the white man must have fled after 
committing the deed. They raised no yell, but 
rode in a body to the fort, and, after several feints, 
entered it. The whites were gone! 

Now ascended a yell, such as a score of demons 
might be supposed to give, and the baffled savages 
galloped away toward the river-bottom. When 
fairly out of sight, one of the boulders on the out- 
side of the breastwork pitched forward, and the 
form of Bill Biddon rose to view. 

Reds is reds, and fools is fools, and ef ever 
they war takiffl in bootiful, that ar’ time is jist 
about now. So Bill Biddon thinks. Wagh I 

Dropping his head, he ran rapidly in the direction 


NATHAN TODD. 


233 


of the river-bottom, intending to find his horse and 
follow our hero and heroine as he had promised. 
This required a longer time than he expected; but 
he secured him at last, and, as he emerged from 
the bottom, he struck into a full run, and set up a 
shout of exultation. Hardly had the echoes died 
away, when four mounted Indians burst after him, 
discharging two rifles at the same time. Biddon 
answered the shot, and its effect was told by a 
frenzied yell and fall of one of the horsemen. 

‘‘ Come on, all of you ! ’’ he shouted ; ‘‘ ef you 
have shot Bill Biddon, he can draw bead on you 
yit!^’ 

In less time than it takes us to write it, his rifle 
was reloaded, but before he could fire, his enemies 
were invisible. Reduced to three, and convinced 
that capture was impossible, they had withdrawn 
and given up the pursuit. 

Away flew the trapper like a meteor burst- 
ing across the prairie. He knew that he was 
not followed, and it was not fear that led him 
on. 

I must cotch ^em ! ” he muttered, putting his 
horse to the top of his speed. You must travel, 
boss, ef it kills you.’' 


234 


IJATHAN TODD. 


Not a jot of the terrific rate at which he was 
going was abated. Mile after mile flew under his 
feet — his hair streamed in the night-wind — his face 
wore a strange, unnatural look. His lips were 
tightly compressed, and at intervals he muttered 
brokenly to himself, or shouted hoarsely to the 
horse. 

Finally, the light of day appeared in the east. 
The trapper looked up. 

“ I must be purty near up to 'em. They can’t 
have rode as fast as me.” 

The sides of his horse were steamy and frothy, 
his nostrils dilated, and he breathed short and quick. 
As the prairie was illumined by the sun’s rays, 
Biddon looked carefully ahead. 

‘‘ They ought to be in sight ; I’ve rode a. long 
ways. B’ars and beavers ! yender they ar ’ ! ” 

On a distant swell of the prairie he saw his t -o 
friends. He swung his hat over his head and 
shouted. In a moment a faint halloo was returned. 
He was seen, and they were waiting for him. 

Onward thundered the trapper, as if riding for 
life. A half-hour, and his panting horse was beside 
Nat’s. 

‘‘ Yer safe,” he remarked, with a deep sigh. “ I 


l^ATHAN TODD, 


235 


dropped another, and they give up the chase. You 
can take yer time now ; none of ’em will foller you 
more.” 

‘‘ But, Biddon, why have you ridden so fast ? 
Your horse seems jaded to death. The Oregon 
trail is but a few miles away, and you needn’t have 
hurried. We were waiting for you. What makes 
you look so strange? You are deadly pale. I see 
blood on your breast! My God! have you been 
shot?” 

Todd, Bill Biddon has got his last sickness at 
last ! ” replied the trapper, in a voice whose hollow 
depth was awful. ‘‘ I wiped one of ’em out, and 
they blazed away with both thar shooters — one of 
the bullets went clean through me!'^ 

Nat and Irene were horrified, and almost beside 
themselves. 

Is it a mortal wound ? Can you not bear up 
till we find assistance? O, Biddon, you are not 
going to die now ! ” 

“ No — no— let me dress your wound,” plead 
Irene, dismounting, and approaching him. The 
trapper motioned them back, and alighted himself. 

‘‘ I’ve got to go under in less nor an hour,” he 
said, in the same hollow tone, as Nat assisted him 


236 


:NATHA1^ TODD, 


to a seat. ‘‘ I didn’t want to do it alone, that’s 
why I rode so hard to come up with you. Don’t 
feel bad about it,” added Biddon, languidly open- 
ing his eyes, as he heard the suppressed sobs of 
both his friends. 

Oh, Biddon ! this is terrible. Fll never forgive 
myself for leaving you alone to carry on the battle,” 
wailed Nat, kneeling beside him. 

A shade of vexation crossed the trapper’s 
face ; his brows compressed slightly as he re- 
plied : 

It saved you and the gal, and let’s hear no 
more of it. It won’t do no good,” he added, as 
he felt them examining his wound. It’s past 
doctorin’.” 

Irene had unslung the small canteen which he 
wore about the neck, and was bathing and dressing 
the wound to the best of her ability. A glance 
showed her and Nat that the man’s words were 
true. A bullet had passed through his body in the 
neighborhood of the lungs, and life was fast ebbing 
out. His indomitable determination had sustained 
him up to this point. He knew no earthly power 
could ward off his dissolution, and his only wish 
was to die in the presence of the two whose lives 


NATHAN TODD. 


237 

he had saved. Now that he had reached them, his 
will gave way, and he sunk with fearful rapidity. 
Nat and Irene saw that the most they could do was 
to soothe the dying man's moments, and no time 
was lost in lamentations. His hunting-shirt was 
opened, so as to allow the air to reach him, and the 
flow of blood partially stopped. His head was 
pillowed in the lap of Irene, who had removed his 
cap and brushed back the shaggy locks from his 
brow. In this position he lay, breathing heavily, 
and occasionally gasping, sometimes opening the 
eyes whose electric glitter was now deadened, and 
looking from Nat's face to that of Irene, where it 
seemed to love to linger. Once or twice it was 
noticed that his lips appeared to move, and it was 
with gratified astonishment that Nat heard the 
words of prayer passing his lips. 

Todd," at length he spoke, as if waking from 
a dream, you and I've hunted together a long 
time, but we've got to part. I've 'spected this all 
through the winter, and am not sorry for myself. 
You've got the gal at last, and ar' fur enough to 
git her through to the States. Thar's a belt 'round 
my body, jist below the hurt. Will you take it 
off?" 


238 


2^ATHAN TODD, 


Nat did as requested, and found he held in his 
hand a broad, thick, and exceedingly heavy belt. 

'' Thaf s full of gold,” he said, speaking at inter- 
vals. ‘‘ Tve been gatherin’ it up for thirty year. 
Some of it came from the Hudson Bay Company, 
though it’s little they give in that way besides 
trinkets. Thar’s a good lot thar; take it, use it. 
It never can do me good, and I’ve no one else to 
give it to. Will you promise?” 

Nat looked at Irene, and the two answered that 
they would. He then continued: 

Bury me in my clothes, my shooter, knives, and 
everything with me.” 

‘‘Shall it be done here?” asked Nat. 

“ Yas; you’ll have some trouble to dig the grave; 
but it needn’t be deep, and a few stones rolled over 
it will keep the wolves and varmint away.” 

He ceased speaking for a while. During the 
disarrangement of his dress, Nat noticed a ribbon 
around his neck, concealed beneath his hunting- 
shirt. He examined it, not through any vulgar 
curiosity, and found it contained a small locket, 
in which was an exquisite painting of a young and 
beautiful girl. He was upon the point of asking 
the trapper’s will respecting this, when the latter 
spoke. 


AT HAN TODD, 


239 


Thar’s a pictur’ you’ll see ’round my neck — 
bury it with me. She was buried long years ago. 
It was her that made a trapper of Bill Biddon ; but 
the story can’t be told now. I meant to have told 
you, Todd, but the time has passed.” 

Another lapse of silence passed, during which 
the trapper’s dissolution became more and more 
apparent. His face was of unearthly whiteness, 
and the film of death was already visible over his 
half-closed eyes. His lips continued moving, and 
after one or two attempts, he spoke aloud: 

“ Todd, you have talked to me ’bout what you 
called religion, and I remember how a mother usee 
to pray fur me when I was young. Bill Biddon 
has led a quar life. He has taken many a scalp, 
and wiped out many a redskin, and whether that 
Being will take him after all this I can not tell. 
But I’ve thought about Him a good deal, and have 
tried to pray to Him fur a good while to come. 
Would you pray ? ” 

Nat uttered a short, earnest prayer for the dying 
man, and he seemed much comforted. 

I feel better,” he added, after he had finished. 

I think, Todd, and Irene, I’ll see you again, 
and Relmond, and the little angel of his wife. 


240 


JS!ATHA2^ TODD. 


Don’t forget to tell them about old Bill Biddon, 
and ” 

The trapper paused as a cloud swept over his 
features. His emotions were so singular that Nat, 
fearful the last moment had come, spoke: 

“ What is the matter, Biddon ? ” 

** The In jins ar' cornin'!*' he replied, in his 
husky whisper. 

“ No — no, you are mistaken ; none but your 
friends are around you,” said Nat, fearing his mind 
was wandering. The trapper knit his brows, as 
if with pain, and added: 

“ No, I don’t mean you. I know what I am 
about. I hear the redskins, I say. I hear the 
tramp of thar animals.” 

Nat, thinking perhaps there might be truth in 
what was said, sprung to his feet and swept the 
horizon. The view on the east was obstructed by a 
range of hills, but there were no signs of any human 
beings besides themselves. He repeated this to 
Biddon. 

I hear the tramp of bosses!" reiterated the 
latter. ‘‘ It’s hard to let my top-knot fall into thar 
hands after gettin’ this far. Todd, will you do the 
last favor Bill Biddon will ever ask you ? ” 


241-242 





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^ATHA:S[ TODD. 


243 


“Yes — yes — anything you wish.” 

“ I would die hard, as I said, ef I thought they 
war to get my hdJr. Jist take my knife then, Todd, 
and lift it yerself, and the imps v/ill be cheated, 
after all ! 

“ O God ! don’t ask me that. Bidden,” groaned 
Nat. “ I’ll fight over you as long as I can stand, 
but no power on earth could induce me to harm a 
hair of your head.” 

“I s’pose it isn’t your edication, Todd; but I 
don’t want my top-knot hang in an In jin’s lodge. 
Can’t you ” 

“ Surely, surely. Bidden, you’re mistaken. 
There are no savages near us.” 

Irene touched Nat’s arm and pointed toward the 
river-bottom. Some eight or ten horsemen had 
just emerged from below them and were ap- 
proaching. 

“ They are not Indians — they are not Indians, 


* This request of the dying trapper may seem incredible ; but 
there are well-authenticated instances in the history of our fron- 
tier in which a ranger or scout has scalped his comrade, at the 
latter’s prayer, to save the disgrace of his enemies’ securing it. 
Their romantic fear, in this respect, seems equal to that of the 
Indian himself. 


244 


NATHAN TODD, 


Biddon ! They are friends — white people — 
whose horses you heard. They are here — cheer 
up!’^ 

‘‘ I s^pose so ; I know ’twas the tramp of animals 
I heard. Git up. Irene, pray fur me like an angel 
as you ar’.’’ 

Nat arose to catch the attention of the horsemen, 
while Irene complied with the holy request of the 
trapper. When our hero looked toward his com- 
panion again, he saw that Bill Biddon, the hunter 
and trapper, was dead! 


The horsemen were a party of hunters, who had 
diverged from the Oregon trail to continue their ^ 
operations in this direction. Two of them had been 
acquainted with the trapper several years before, 
and mourned his death with sincere sorrow. Sev- 
eral hours were spent in digging a grave, broad 
and deep, in which to place his body. Their knives 
were the only instruments employed, and when the 
body of Biddon was carefully lowered into the 
earth, it was high noon. He was buried in his 


NATHAN TODD, 


245 


clothes, his faithful rifle beside him, and the locket, 
which contained the picture probably of some love 
that had exercised a potent influence over his life, 
. still remained around his neck. The grave was 
wet by the tears of Nat and Irene, who mourned 
him as a rough but true-hearted and brave man 
whose loss could never be replaced. No slab or 
stone marks the lonely spot in the Far West, where 
all that is mortal remains of the trapper. It is on 
the bank of the Malheur River, a few miles west 
of the Oregon trail; but the feet of wild animals 
and the lapse of time have so obliterated all traces 
of it, that to-day even the eye of aifection would 
fail to recognize it. 

A few more words and the tale is finished. Nat 
and Irene accompanied the hunters down to Fort 
Boise, where they found another party upon the 
point of starting to California. As the present of 
Biddon furnished Todd with an ample supply of 
money, he concluded to take the steamer from San 
Francisco instead of risking another tedious and 
perilous journey across the plains. This course he 
followed out. In this city, he encountered the 
traveler with whom he had passed several days at 
Brownes Hole. It was he who had written the note 


246 NATHAlt^ TODD. 

which occasioned so much wonderment. His in- 
formation was derived from a hunter; and, believ- 
ing it to be reliable, he withheld his name, fearing 
that Nat might suspect it to be only a piece of 
pleasantry, and he had quite a reputation for his 
jokes upon his companions. 

The particulars of the homeward voyage need 
not be given. The storms and sunshine — the tem- 
pests and calms — the glorious moonlight nights 
and the delightful hours spent in communion with 
each other — the gradual growth of the tender 
passion — the all-important question and answer — 
the thousands of air-castles that arose in the en- 
chanted future — all these, and many more, the 
reader can imagine. 

Todd, when he arrived in New York, telegraphed 
to Relmond, who, accompanied by his wife, im- 
mediately visited him. For the first time since 
childhood, the long-lost, the long-separated sisters 
and orphans met. But time had only sanctified 
their love; and the friendship between Relmond 
and Todd remains uninterrupted to this day. 

Nat, in the magnanimity of his heart, forgave 
his old flame Sarah Almina, now Mrs. Hankins, 
and she and her husband both helped to celebrate 


IsIATHAN TODD, 247 

the wedding. At the present writing, Nat resides 
in Maine, and is in a fair way to realize the wish 
expressed by him in the second paragraph of this 
tale. 


THE END. 




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